In Greek there is, in regard to present tense verbs, what is called "futuristic present tense." There are also present tense verbs called "historical present." Recognizing the few places in the bible where such are used can be important in exegeting a text and ascertaining the full correct meaning.
We also use present tense verbs in English to express a future action. Notice these examples where the verb is in the present tense and yet a future action is intended.
"The train leaves at 5 pm." (rather than 'the train will leave at 5 pm')
"The course starts in September."
"I go to the office next Monday"
"I‘m leaving France tomorrow afternoon"
Examples of futuristic present tense verbs are seen in scripture.
"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Luke 3: 9)
The hewing down and being cast into the fire is in the future but is expressed in the present tense.
Another example of the present tense being used to describe that which is yet future is seen here:
"You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is delivered up for crucifixion." (Matt. 26: 2)
Also in this text:
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I COME AGAIN, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14: 3)
"I come again" is present tense although the meaning is "I will come." In both these instances, the NAS chose to translate the Greek present with an English future.
Futuristic present tense verbs are sometimes used to refer to actions that are certain to occur. See Mt. 27: 63 ("I am rising" = "I will rise"); Mk. 9: 31 ("is delivered" = "will be delivered"); John 14: 3 ("I am coming again" = "I will come again"). The event, although it has not yet occurred, is looked upon as so certain that it is thought of as already occurring. The futuristic present is often used in prophecies.
Heb. 4: 3 - A Futuristic Present Tense
"For we which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb. 4: 3 KJV)
"Now we who have believed enter that rest" (Berean)
"For we, who have believed, shall enter into rest" (Douay-Rheims Bible)
"Now we who have believed enter that rest" (NIV)
Do believers enter into their rest now or when they die, crossing Jordan, the symbolic river of death? Doubtless the rest is entirely future as the context of Hebrews chapters three and four show clearly. But, if that is so, then why did Paul use the present tense? Some believe, as I do, that Paul is using a present tense future verb. Wrote one commentator:
"Or rather, as Macknight observes, the present tense is put for the future, to show the certainty of believers entering into the rest of God. For the discourse is not directly concerning any rest belonging to believers in the present life, but of a rest remaining to them after death, Hebrews 4:9." (Benson Commentary)
Said Greek scholar A.T. Robertson:
""Do enter" (eiserchometha). Emphatic futuristic present middle indicative of eiserchomai. We are sure to enter in, we who believe." (See in Word Pictures here)
If I put up a sign that says "Only ticket holders are allowed entry" I am using a present tense verb (are) even though I am clearly referring to future entries. Some also believe in what is called a "universal present tense" where what action is referred to by the verb takes in what has happened in the past, present, and future.
Paul is likewise saying "we who believe are (present tense) the ones who enter," meaning the same thing as saying "we who have tickets enter." ('enter' is present tense) It may be that Paul is using a universal present tense verb but I rather think, for contextual reasons, that it is a futuristic present tense.
On the historical present one writer said:
"For the sake of vividness or dramatic effect a writer sometimes imagines that he and/or his readers are present and are witnessing a past event. He narrates the past event as though it were actually taking place. The present tense is used for this purpose. The historical present is frequently found in Mark and John. It is ordinarily translated into English by the simple past tense." (See here)
"And in the evening he comes with the twelve." (Mark 14: 17) That is one example sometimes given for the historical present tense. But, there are more. Serious bible students will pay attention to such things in their interpretation of the sacred text.
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