Τὰ ζῷα τρέχει Rule

The "Τὰ ζῷα τρέχει" (ta zoa trechei) rule, or "The Animals Run" rule, is a common pattern in koine Greek where neuter plural subjects take a singular verb as illustrated in the name of the rule where "ζῷα" is a neuter plural nominative and "τρέχει" is a 3rd person present indicative verb. There are, however, exceptions in the New Testament text.

Examples

 * John 1:28: ταῦτα ἐν Βηθανίᾳ ἐγένετο.... (All this took place in Bethany) - ἐγένετο is 3rd person singular

Counter-examples

 * Matt 6:28: καταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν.... (Consider the lilies of the field how they grow) - αὐξάνουσιν (grow) is 3rd person plural