Use of subjunctive -- What happened to the "may" in Mt 6:16

In Matthew 6:16, we have Ὅταν δὲ νηστεύητε:now whenever you fast. The question I have is given the verb is present, active, subjunctive, second person, plural: Wouldn't it be possible to translate this as "whenever you [may=subjunctive] fast."

I noticed in a few syntax references, the this verb is categorized as functioning as a finite verb, which I guess explains the translation (or omission) of the "may?"

Is the verb in the subjunctive because it follows hotan? I am missing on the subjunctive?

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Bruce Dunning

In Matthew 6:16, we have Ὅταν δὲ νηστεύητε:now whenever you fast. The question I have is given the verb is present, active, subjunctive, second person, plural: Wouldn't it be possible to translate this as "whenever you [may=subjunctive] fast."

"whenever you fast" and "whenever you may fast" are really the same thing but the latter is sort of an awkward way to say it.

Is the verb in the subjunctive because it follows hotan? I am missing on the subjunctive?

yes, ὅταν always takes the subjunctive

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/559223#Comment_559223

Perhaps I should add that the subjunctive expresses a condition in which there is an element of doubt. It is not a statement of fact but rather of possibility.