Re: THEORY: third-person imperatives

Padraic Brown wrote:

> In these instances you can tell the difference:
>
>         indic.          subj.
> hallowed is thy name    hallowed be thy name
> thy will is done        thy will be done
> thy kingdom comes       thy kingdom come
>
> I'm not entirely certain _why_ the subjunctive is used here (we are taught
> that the name _is_ holy, the plan _is_ in effect and the kingdom _is_ at
> hand)
I think the general idea is that you're praying for the increase of those
facts (may His name be *more* hallowed, may His kingdom come more
fully into place -- cf. "And of the increase of his government there shall
be no end"), or alternatively, we are just expressing our agreement with
God, our desire and approval, that these things are true.

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Tom Wier <artabanos@...>
ICQ#: 4315704   AIM: Deuterotom
Website: <http://www.angelfire.com/tx/eclectorium/>
"Cogito ergo sum, sed credo ergo ero."

Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and
oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil
spirits at the dawn of day. - Thomas Jefferson
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