iterative e)/ske in Iliad 3:180

[Bert]

dah\r au)=t' e)mo\j e)/ske kunw/pidoj, ei)/ pot' e)/hn ge.

I can't seem to translate the iterative e)/ske iteratively (is that a word?)

Isn't iterative characterized by repeated action?
I can understand 'he used to be' or 'he was' but not 'he was again and again.'
Is there another aspect indicated by an iterative ending?

[Paul]

Hi Bert,

The IE suffix -sk- had several meanings including desiderative, inchoative, iterative, and causative. Its desiderative meaning likely developed into a 'customary' meaning, e.g. from wanting or intending to do something to being accustomed to doing it.

Hence in Ionic it develops into an imperfect able to express not only iteration, but continuation.

Cordially,

Paul