ἐπειδή

when, since

Definition

The conjunction ἐπειδή (epeidē) primarily functions in two distinct ways in the New Testament. First, it can denote a temporal sequence, meaning 'when' or 'after that,' as seen in Luke 11:6 where a friend arrives 'when' a journey has begun. Second, and more frequently, it expresses a causal or logical connection, meaning 'since,' 'because,' or 'seeing that.' This causal sense is prominent in passages like Acts 13:46 and 1 Corinthians 1:21-22, where it introduces the reason for an action or statement. The word effectively bridges an established fact with its consequent result or response.

Biblical Usage

ἐπειδή is used 11 times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels (Matthew, Luke), Acts, and Paul's letters (1 Corinthians). In narrative contexts like Acts, it often provides a causal explanation for events (e.g., Acts 14:12, 15:24). In Paul's theological argument in 1 Corinthians, it grounds his reasoning, as in 1 Corinthians 1:21-22 where he states, 'since (ἐπειδή) in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom...' and 'since (ἐπειδή) Jews demand signs...' This shows its use in constructing logical, step-by-step arguments.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, 'upon') and the particle δή (dē, 'indeed, now'). It literally suggests 'upon indeed,' which developed into a conjunction marking something that is established or given as a basis. It is a classical Greek conjunction that carried directly into Koine Greek with its dual temporal and causal functions.

Semantic Range

While a conjunction, ἐπειδή is theologically significant in how it frames divine action and human response. In passages like Acts 13:46 and 1 Corinthians 1:21, it introduces the logical grounds for gospel proclamation shifting to the Gentiles or for God's chosen method of salvation through the 'foolishness' of preaching. Understanding this word helps readers follow the causal logic in apostolic preaching and Pauline theology, seeing how biblical writers build arguments from established spiritual realities.

As a standard Greek conjunction, its cultural understanding aligns with its grammatical function. No significant cultural nuance separates its use in secular Greek texts from the New Testament; its meaning was clear and conventional to first-century readers and writers.

ὅτε (hote, G3753) — primarily a temporal conjunction ('when'), lacking the strong causal force of ἐπειδή. διότι (dioti, G1360) — a causal conjunction ('because, for the reason that'), often more explanatory than the logical 'since' of ἐπειδή. ἐπεί (epei, G1893) — a very close synonym meaning 'since, because,' sometimes used interchangeably but ἐπειδή can carry a slightly more formal or weighty tone.

Word Details

Scripture References