The primary function of the article is not to make a word definite.1 For example, proper names are definite without the article. When the article is present, it is emphasizing identity. 1. ὁ can function as the definite article. οἱ μαθηταὶ Ἰωάννου νηστεύουσιν πυκνά. The disciples of John often fast. 2. ὁ can function as a grammatical marker, for example showing that the following word modifies the previous. μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων
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