ἔτι

still, yet, even now

Definition

The adverb ἔτι primarily conveys two related senses in the New Testament. First, it indicates the continuation of a state or action in time, meaning 'still,' 'yet,' or 'even now,' as when Jesus says the disciples are the salt of the earth 'but if the salt has lost its taste... it is no longer good for anything' (Matthew 5:13), implying a prior state that should still be true. Second, it expresses addition or degree, meaning 'further,' 'more,' or 'in addition,' used in contexts like requiring 'two or three witnesses' (Matthew 18:16) for establishing a matter, adding to the initial testimony. It can also carry a sense of immediacy or urgency, as in 'while he was still speaking' (Matthew 26:47).

Biblical Usage

ἔτι appears 90 times across the New Testament, with notable frequency in the Gospels (especially Matthew) and Hebrews. It is commonly used in narrative to mark the immediate sequence of events ('while he was still speaking' in Matthew 26:47) and in dialogue to express persistence, surprise, or insufficiency. For example, the rich young man claims he has kept all the commandments and asks, 'What do I still lack?' (Matthew 19:20), using ἔτι to highlight a perceived remaining deficiency. In Hebrews, it often appears in theological arguments about what 'still' remains or is to come, such as a 'Sabbath rest' for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9).

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *éti, meaning 'then, again.' It is a primary adverb in Greek with cognates in other Indo-European languages. Its core meaning of temporal continuation ('still') is ancient, with the sense of addition ('further') developing naturally from this idea of something persisting or being added to an existing condition.

Semantic Range

ἔτι is theologically significant as it often marks the tension between the 'already' and the 'not yet' in biblical eschatology and discipleship. It highlights what remains or persists from the old covenant or human condition into the new reality inaugurated by Christ. For instance, its use in Hebrews underscores that certain promises or states of rest are 'still' ahead for believers, enriching the reading of passages about hope and perseverance. It also sharpens moments of decision and urgency in Jesus's ministry, as when the high priest asks, 'What further testimony do we need?' (Matthew 26:65) at the trial, signaling a critical turning point.

In its Greco-Roman cultural setting, ἔτι was a common temporal and logical marker in rhetoric and narrative, similar to modern adverbs like 'still' or 'further.' Its usage in the New Testament reflects standard Koine Greek, so there is no significant cultural gap in understanding. However, its frequency in legal or testimonial contexts (e.g., 'two or three witnesses' in Matthew 18:16) aligns with Jewish and Roman legal practices that valued corroborating evidence.

μένω (menō, G3306) — to remain or abide, focusing on the state itself rather than the adverbial sense of continuation. ἕως (heōs, G2193) — until, marking a temporal limit rather than ongoing duration. πάλιν (palin, G3825) — again, indicating repetition rather than continuation of the same state.

Word Details

Scripture References