Chapter 2:18 TAREIN - To Keep

2.18 Tarein Present Infinitive Active = verbal noun

τηρεῖν

Tense: Present.

See Aorist and Present Tenses compared and Tense for a full discussion of tense. Basically the tense indicates the kind of action. Here the present tense implies continuous kind of action < ---- >, contemporaneous with the action of the main verb (to disciple). No time is in view, because the main verb is in the imperative (non-indicative) mood.

Infinitive:

Infinitives are verbal nouns. See 9.1.2.5.2 Participle and Infinitive Compared for a comparison and contrast between the infinitive and the participle.

In summary the infinitive is a verbal noun (vs. a verbal adjective); closely connected with the main verb—to disciple (vs. closely connected with the subject—you-pl); contemplates action as potential (vs. the real action of the participle); is used when the real object of the governing verb is an act (discipling) or a state (vs. the real object being a person as in the participle); and emphasizes the state of the verb more than the subject.

Voice: Active.

Here the antecedent of the infinitive (autous), which is essentially the subject of the infinitive, is in the active voice. This indicates, as part of the discipleship process, these followers of Jesus must (public ally) teach them (the masculine heathen who are being transferred into the Name and reputation owned by the Father etc.) to ACTIVELY (versus passive or middle) keep, (guard, to watch over protectively, to mark attentively, to heed, to observe practically, to keep strictly, to preserve) (to the things He had commanded).

Syntax:

Substantival uses of infinitive as object (either direct or indirect). As indirect object (of the verb teaching), it form is similar to a noun in the dative case[51] while it functions in the nominative or accusative case in use. Expresses that for which or with reference to which the action or state of the governing verb is performed or exists.

This “teaching” is linked to the subject (You-pl), but the “keeping” is linked to the verb (discipling).

Tareiv functions as the antecedent of panta. Tareiv will affect the case of panta, and in fact panta will be attracted to the case of tareiv (nominative/accusative case in use, even though the form is dative/locative)[52]

Root Meaning:

To watch, to keep watch upon, guard, to watch over protectively, to mark attentively, to heed, to observe practically, to keep strictly, to preserve, shield, to store up, reserve, to keep in custody, to maintain, to keep in condition.

Translation:

Jesus speaking: Given that all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, therefore (now, by all means - emphatically) as you are going < ● > (or ‘while on your way through life…’ or ‘as you are proceeding in your chosen manner through life …’), I (as superior to a subordinate laying aside my authority to command you) appeal to you (and particularly to your will), it’s imperative that you actively disciple < ● > (train, acquire habits, disciple oneself) (How far or how many?) all the nations, (yes, I mean ALL the nations … and you can include the Jews in there as well) (and here’s the first step ) you-pl males among you-pl actively baptizing continuously < ---- > focusing on the males among them (i.e., the gender neutral nations) (starting with them outside the Name and) with direction towards the Name (and it’s not just any name they are being moved into …i.e., not Moses, not John, etc.) … ending up with them “inside” that particular specific single Name (and reputation) THE Specific Particular Name (and reputation) that BOTH The Father as a person possesses AND (in contrast) The Son as a person possesses AND ALSO(in contrast) The Holy Spirit as a person possesses (the single Name (and reputation) possessed by all three of these Persons of the Godhead) you-pl-masculine actively (as opposed to passively) continually (-----) teaching (or speaking in a public assembly; directing or admonishing; passing on instruction, doctrine, and information.) them (the nations, but the teaching should be) directly addressing the men (while the women and children listen in as well) to actively keep (keep watch upon, guard, to watch over protectively, to mark attentively, to heed, to observe practically, to keep strictly, to preserve, to maintain) …