ἕνεκεν

for the sake of, on account of, wherefore

Definition

The Greek particle ἕνεκεν (eneken) is a preposition meaning 'for the sake of,' 'on account of,' or 'because of.' It is used to indicate the cause, reason, or purpose behind an action, often pointing to a person or principle that motivates behavior. In some contexts, such as Matthew 5:10-11, it denotes suffering endured 'for the sake of' righteousness or Christ's name. In other passages, like Matthew 19:5, it explains the foundational reason ('on account of this') for a divine institution, such as marriage. The word consistently introduces the grounds or objective for which something is done or occurs.

Biblical Usage

ἕνεκεν appears 23 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (especially Matthew and Mark) and a few times in the Pauline and General Epistles. It is often used in teachings about discipleship and sacrifice, as in Matthew 10:39 and Mark 8:35, where Jesus speaks of losing one's life 'for my sake.' It also appears in ethical instructions, such as in 1 Peter 2:19-20, concerning enduring suffering 'for the sake of conscience.' The usage is almost always followed by a genitive noun or pronoun specifying the reason or beneficiary.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek preposition ἕνεκα (heneka), which has the same meaning, ἕνεκεν is an alternate form that became common in Koine Greek. It is related to the root *hen-, implying a connection or cause. The word functions as a compound preposition, often used to express final or causal relationships, and its form was influenced by classical usage, maintaining a strong sense of purpose or motive.

Semantic Range

ἕνεκεν is theologically significant as it highlights the motives and costs of Christian discipleship. It underscores that suffering and sacrifice are not meaningless but are undertaken 'for the sake of' Christ and the gospel (Matthew 5:11, Mark 8:35). This word deepens the understanding of commitment in following Jesus, emphasizing that believers' actions and endurance are rooted in their relationship with Him. It also relates to the concept of divine purpose, as seen in creation and covenant (Matthew 19:5), showing that God's designs are intentional and for specific reasons.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἕνεκεν was a common particle in philosophical and ethical discussions to denote cause or purpose, similar to modern 'because of.' However, in the New Testament, it takes on a distinctively religious dimension, often tied to loyalty to Jesus in a context where such allegiance could lead to persecution. This cultural setting of potential conflict and sacrifice shapes its usage, differentiating it from more mundane causal statements in secular texts.

διὰ (dia, G1223) — a more general preposition for 'through' or 'because of,' often indicating means or intermediate cause, whereas ἕνεκεν emphasizes direct purpose or benefit for someone/something. ὑπὲρ (huper, G5228) — means 'for' or 'on behalf of,' frequently used for substitution or representation, while ἕνεκεν focuses on the reason or motive behind an action.

Word Details

Scripture References