Breakdown of Iudex furi poenam gravem dat, quia lex clara est.
esse
to be
quia
because
dare
to give
clarus
clear
Questions & Answers about Iudex furi poenam gravem dat, quia lex clara est.
Why is iudex the subject?
Because iudex is in the nominative singular, which is the case normally used for the subject.
- iudex = judge
- Dictionary form: iudex, iudicis
- It is a 3rd-declension noun
Also, the verb dat is 3rd person singular (he/she/it gives), so it matches a single subject: iudex.
Why is furi used here?
Furi is the dative singular of fur, furis (thief).
The dative often marks the indirect object, meaning the person to whom something is given:
- iudex furi poenam dat
= the judge gives a punishment to the thief
In smoother English, we often say:
- the judge gives the thief a punishment
- or better, the judge inflicts a punishment on the thief
So furi answers the question to whom?
Why is poenam in the accusative?
Because poenam is the direct object of dat.
It is the thing being given: