ἔπειτα
then, thereafter, afterwards
Definition
The adverb ἔπειτα primarily denotes a sequence in time, meaning 'then,' 'thereafter,' or 'afterwards.' It is used to mark the next event in a narrative or logical sequence, as seen when Jesus decides to go to Judea 'afterwards' in John 11:7. In lists or ordered presentations, it can indicate a subsequent item in a series, such as in the listing of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28) or the order of resurrections (1 Corinthians 15:23-24). It often carries a neutral, connective force, simply moving the action or argument forward.
Biblical Usage
ἔπειτα appears 16 times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in Paul's letters, especially 1 Corinthians (7 times). It is used in narrative sequences (Mark 7:5, Luke 16:7, John 11:7) and, most distinctively, in structured, logical arguments. Paul employs it to build ordered lists, such as the appearances of the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:5-7) and the stages of God's redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 15:23-24, 46). This pattern shows its utility for presenting theological chronology and hierarchy.
Etymology
Derived from the combination of the preposition ἐπί (epi, 'upon') and εἶτα (eita, 'then'), ἔπειτα literally means 'upon then' or 'thereupon.' It is a classical Greek adverb that entered Koine Greek, retaining its core sense of temporal succession. Its formation emphasizes a close sequential connection, often implying one event following directly upon another.
Semantic Range
While primarily a sequential marker, ἔπειτα gains theological significance in passages outlining God's orderly plan. In 1 Corinthians 15, it structures the chronology of Christ's resurrection appearances and the future resurrection of believers, reinforcing the doctrine of a deliberate, divinely orchestrated eschatological order. Understanding this word helps readers see the logical progression in biblical arguments and the purposeful sequence in salvation history, moving beyond mere 'next' to a sense of ordained succession.
As a standard Greek adverb for sequence, its cultural understanding aligns closely with modern usage for marking temporal order. No significant cultural nuance differentiates its basic function.
εἶτα (eita, G1534) — A simpler, more common adverb for 'then,' often used interchangeably but sometimes in a slightly less emphatic sequence. ἔπειτα (epeita) can imply a closer connection. μετὰ ταῦτα (meta tauta) — A phrase meaning 'after these things,' used for broader narrative transitions (e.g., John 5:1).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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