Lexical Summary dé: but, and, now, moreover Original Word: δέ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance also, and, doubtless, now, therefore. Probably akin to de; a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc. -- also, and, doubtless, now, therefore. see GREEK de HELPS Word-studies 1211 dḗ(an adverb) – really, with veracity ("in truth"). Unfortunately, 1211 (dḗ) is often not even translated even though it dramatically "gives precision and emphasis to a command – implying that it is for a special purpose, and to be obeyed at the time" (WS, 252). 1211 /dḗ ("certainly") strongly affirms what at last has "become clear and now may be assumed as true" (R, 1149), i.e. has passed through the needed process and can be fully relied upon. Thus 1211 (dḗ) conveys what is "surely the case . . . ". NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. particle akin to édé Definition indeed, now (used to give emphasis or urgency to a statement) NASB Translation indeed (1), then (1), therefore (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1211: δήδή (shortened from ἤδη (others besides)), a particle which, the epic phrases δή τότε, δή γάρ excepted, is never placed at the beginning of a sentence, but is joined to some preceding word, and indicates that what it introduces can be taken as something settled, laid down in deed and in truth (Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 392): now therefore, then, verily, in truth, (Latinjam, igitur, sane, etc. — although neither Latin, German (nor English) has a word precisely equivalent to δή). 1. added to relative pronouns: ὅς δή, who is such a one as, who preeminently, who then, Matthew 13:23. 2. joined to imperatives and hortatory subjunctives it signifies that the thing enjoined must be done forthwith, at once (cf. Winers Grammar, § 43, 3 a.), so that it may be evident that it is being done (cf. Passow, i., p. 612{b}), where the Latin saysagedum,jam, German doch,nur (English, now, only, but): Luke 2:15; Acts ( 3. surely, certainly: 2 Corinthians 12:1 R G. Strong’s Greek 1211 marks a thought as present, real, and weighty. It is the writer’s or speaker’s way of saying, “Pay attention—this follows logically and matters now.” The particle tightens the flow of argument or story, giving urgency without lengthening the sentence. English often renders it “indeed,” “now then,” or “surely.” Patterns of Usage in the New Testament Appearing only six times, the word surfaces at key moments: 1. In a parable interpretation (Matthew 13:23). Although the contexts differ, each use calls for immediate recognition or action grounded in what has just been revealed. Matthew 13:23 – Fruitfulness in the Parable of the Soils “He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.” The particle draws a straight line from hearing and understanding the word to a life that yields measurable fruit. The emphasis counters any notion that true reception of the word could remain hidden or static. The Lord’s instruction presses the listener toward self-examination: if the gospel has genuinely taken root, fruitfulness must follow. Luke 2:15 – Immediate Obedience at the Nativity “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Here the shepherds move from heavenly revelation to earthly response without delay. The particle binds revelation and obedience, modeling the proper human reaction to divine disclosure: swift, collective, purposeful movement toward God’s work. Acts 13:2 and Acts 15:36 – Missionary Direction and Pastoral Care “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “Let us return and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they are doing.” In Antioch the Spirit’s command inaugurates the first missionary journey; later Paul’s counsel launches the second. In both texts the particle signals decisive moments in the advance of the gospel: one, a Spirit-initiated sending; the other, an apostolic concern for consolidation. Gospel expansion and pastoral oversight stand side by side, each bearing the mark of urgency. 1 Corinthians 6:20 – Ethical Imperative Rooted in Redemption “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” The particle turns theology into ethics. Having reminded believers of the costly purchase made on their behalf, Paul insists that bodily conduct must now align with that redemption. The construction leaves no gap between doctrine and daily life. Hebrews 2:16 – Christ’s Incarnational Solidarity “For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham.” The writer sharpens a crucial Christological claim: the Son’s saving grasp is directed toward humanity, not angelic beings. The particle underscores the certainty of this focus, strengthening the argument for Jesus’ full identification with those He redeems. Theological Observations 1. Revelation-Response Dynamic: In every case the particle joins a truth to its rightful consequence, whether action (Luke 2:15), mission (Acts), obedience (Corinthians), or assurance (Hebrews). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Preaching: Highlight the now-ness of God’s claims. The gospel never comes merely to inform; it comes to elicit faith and obedience. Conclusion Though brief and easily overlooked, Strong’s Greek 1211 consistently signals that something already revealed demands present recognition or response. The particle invites readers to move from knowledge to conviction, from conviction to action, and from action to fruit that endures. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:23 PrtclGRK: συνιείς ὃς δὴ καρποφορεῖ καὶ NAS: it; who indeed bears fruit KJV: [it]; which also beareth fruit, INT: understands who indeed brings forth fruit and Luke 2:15 Prtcl Acts 13:2 Prtcl Acts 15:36 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 6:20 Prtcl Hebrews 2:16 Prtcl |
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