Mark

Gazza,

What you need to realise is that the Koine Greek present tense, is not the same as the English present tense. So therefore if a greek verb is in the present tense, it does not neccessarily imply a continuous state of action (contra Cheryl’s interpretation). The context of the passage decides the time factors involved. Now if it was a participle it would be something that goes on and on and on. However the present tense can be an action that ceases to exist i.e- past tense or as people say ‘undefined’ aspect.

So you are right to think that in Eph 2 Paul has a past tense view in mind. It is the context that determines this usage. Paul is relating between a previous condition (dead) and a new condition (being alive). The conjunction in verse 4 ‘But God’ rightly reveals this to us. We were at one time dead in sin (present greek, but past meaning) ‘but God’ has made us alive. The whole context of the chapter confirms what you believe, thus why so many translations decide to translate into the english past tense- it captures accurately what Paul’s meaning is. The use of the greek present tense (as opposed to imperfect or aorist) makes this passage more emphatic. It shows the nature that people were and are in, namely dead in sin. It helps emphasise the actual grace that is bestowed upon us by God.

Don’t be fooled by Cheryl’s argument of the greek present tense. Her interpretation is not correct. It is the context that decides the meaning of the greek present tense, and in this case the meaning is clear. Paul is contrasting a previous condition with a new one- dead/alive! Thus the clear meaning of the present tense here is an undefined action as opposed to a continuous one.

Also notice that the translations that Cheryl gave that do translate into a english present tense ‘being dead’ does not exclude the past tense meaning- “you being dead, God made alive”. The context of the usage still allows a past/new contrast.

Basically my point is, the greek present tense can have a non continuous action meaning which basically translates into English past tense. All the terms sound messy, but all you need to realise is that what you believe about the text is supported grammatically by the Greek.