ἐπεί

after, for, since, otherwise

Definition

ἐπεί is a versatile conjunction used in the New Testament primarily to express cause or reason, meaning 'since' or 'because.' It introduces a logical ground or explanation for a preceding statement, as seen in Romans 3:6 where Paul argues, 'since otherwise, how will God judge the world?' It can also denote a temporal sense of 'when' or 'after,' as in Mark 15:42, 'when evening had already come.' In some conditional contexts, it carries the sense of 'otherwise' or 'else,' highlighting a hypothetical consequence, such as in Matthew 18:32.

Biblical Usage

ἐπεί appears 26 times across various New Testament genres, including the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline and General Epistles. It is most frequently used to introduce causal clauses explaining why something is true or necessary, as in John 13:29 and Luke 7:1. The temporal usage is less common but significant, as in Mark 15:42 regarding the timing of Jesus' burial. The conditional sense ('otherwise') appears in key argumentative passages like Romans 3:6 and 1 Corinthians 5:10, adding rhetorical force.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'at') and the particle εἰ (ei, meaning 'if'). This compound origin reflects its functions of establishing a basis ('upon if') for cause, time, or condition. It is a classical Greek conjunction that carried into Koine Greek with similar semantic range, used to connect ideas logically or temporally.

Semantic Range

Understanding ἐπεί enriches reading by clarifying the logical structure of biblical arguments, especially in Paul's epistles. It helps identify whether a statement is grounded in a causal reason, a temporal sequence, or a conditional alternative. This precision is crucial for doctrines like judgment (Romans 3:6) and ethical instruction (1 Corinthians 5:10), where the conjunction links human action to divine truth or consequence.

In the Greco-Roman world, logical argumentation and rhetorical precision were highly valued in both philosophical and legal contexts. The use of ἐπεί reflects this cultural emphasis on clear causation and reasoning, which New Testament authors employed to persuade diverse audiences. Its conditional sense ('otherwise') would resonate in settings where hypothetical scenarios were used for moral or logical persuasion.

ὅτι (hoti, G3754) — a more general conjunction for 'that' or 'because,' often introducing direct discourse or a simple cause. διότι (dioti, G1360) — emphasizes 'because' or 'for the reason that,' with a stronger causal force. ἐπειδή (epeidē, G1894) — a near synonym meaning 'since' or 'because,' used interchangeably in some contexts but slightly more formal.

Word Details

Scripture References