Recognizing the Conditions of “If” or “ei”

There are two parts of a conditional sentences (or, a sentence with an “if” clause/)

The two parts are:

a) The subordinate clause, or “if” clause which states a supposition or condition

b) The principle clause, or “conclusion” clause, which states the result if the “if” clause is fulfilled.

Example: “If you get there early (this is the subordinate or “if” clause)

then you will get a good seat (this is the principle or conclusion clause)

The Greek word ei is translated into English as “if, or whether.” This word will be found in the first part or the subordinate clause of a conditional sentence.

The Greek word an is an untranslated word whose presence in a clause introduces the element of contingency. It will be found in the second part or the principle clause of a conditional sentence.

Here is an example from the Greek interlinear:

ei ek tou kosmou hte

If of the world you were

o kosmos an to idion efelei

the world would its own have loved.

First Class Condition

ei plus indicative mood. . . . . .with conclusion clause in any mood and any tense

Seen in Galatians 5:18, John 14:7

Second Class Condition

ei plus imperfect tense . . . . . . with conclusion clause an plus imperfect tense

Seen in Luke 7:39, John 15:19 and 22

ei plus Aorist or Pluperfect tense . . . . . with conclusion clause an plus Aorist or Pluperfect tense.

Seen in John 11:32, Matthew 11:21

Third Class Condition

ei plus Subjunctive mood . . . . . with conclusion clause in any verb form

Seen in Romans 7:2, Matthew 9:21, 1 John 1:9

Fourth Class Condition

ei plus Optative mood . . . . . with conclusion clause an plus Optative mood

Seen in 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Corinthians 14:10