Lexical Summary dépou: Surely, indeed, perhaps Original Word: δέπου Strong's Exhaustive Concordance verily. From de and pou; a particle of asseveration; indeed doubtless -- verily. see GREEK de see GREEK pou NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dé and pou Definition of course, surely NASB Translation assuredly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1222: δήπουδήπου (L WH δή ποῦ; cf. Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 123f), adverb (from δή and ποῦ), properly, now in some way, whatever that way is; it is used when something is affirmed in a slightly ironical manner, as if with an affectation of uncertainty, perhaps, doubtless, verily: οὐ δήπου, not surely (German doch nicht etwa), hardly I trow; (cf. Rost in Passow, i., p. 613{b}; Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 427f.). Once in Scripture: Hebrews 2:16. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1222, δέπου, is a particle of polite or concessive assurance meaning “surely,” “of course,” or “I suppose.” While the term does not occur in the inspired text of the Greek New Testament, it belongs to the broader Koine vocabulary and sheds light on the rhetorical environment in which the New Testament writers communicated. Linguistic Background In classical sources such as Aristophanes, Plato, and Xenophon, δέπου is regularly employed to soften an assertion while still signaling confidence. It might be translated, “Surely, you would agree…,” inviting the hearer’s consent without the bluntness of an imperative. Linguists describe it as a “confirming particle”—allowing the speaker to affirm something and simultaneously acknowledge the listener’s freedom to respond. Comparative Usage in Classical and Hellenistic Greek 1. Polite Agreement: Plato’s dialogues show δέπου marking common ground before moving into deeper argument. These functions inform our understanding of the conversational Greek of the first century, the milieu of the apostolic church. Implications for New Testament Interpretation Because the New Testament authors wrote in living Koine, they drew from a pool of idioms that included δέπου. Even though they did not choose this particular particle, awareness of its nuance enriches exegesis of similar expressions: • ἀρά γε (Acts 8:31) carries a comparable polite assumption: “How can I [understand] unless someone guides me?” Recognizing how Greek particles range from forceful to deferential helps interpreters perceive authorial tone and pastoral sensitivity. Historical Reception in Patristic and Reformation Exegesis Early commentators such as Chrysostom and Theodoret—though never expounding δέπου in a biblical text—refer to it in homiletic illustrations, demonstrating its currency in late–antique preaching. During the Reformation, humanist scholars like Erasmus catalogued δέπου in their Greek grammars, arguing that mastery of such particles prevented doctrinal misreadings based on misplaced emphasis. Illustrative Parallels in Scripture While δέπου itself is absent, the concept of measured certainty fills Scripture: • Genesis 18:25: “Far be it from You to do such a thing… Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”—Abraham respectfully, yet confidently, appeals to divine justice. These verses echo the courteous affirmation that δέπου embodies. Theological Reflections 1. Assurance without Arrogance: δέπου models a manner of speech that is convinced yet humble—an attitude commended in 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching: In Bible studies, leaders can frame doctrinal points with gracious confidence, saying, “Surely we see here that…”—encouraging participation rather than dictation. Conclusion Though δέπου never appears in the canonical Greek text, its presence in the linguistic atmosphere of the early church supplies a valuable window into first-century discourse. Understanding its shade of “courteous certainty” equips modern readers to discern subtleties in related New Testament particles, to communicate biblical truth with tactful confidence, and to cultivate conversations that blend assurance with humility—hallmarks of faithful Christian witness. Forms and Transliterations δήπουLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Δημήτριος — 2 Occ.δημιουργὸς — 1 Occ. δήμῳ — 1 Occ. δῆμον — 2 Occ. δῆμος — 1 Occ. δημοσίᾳ — 4 Occ. δηνάρια — 3 Occ. δηναρίων — 4 Occ. δηνάριον — 5 Occ. δηναρίου — 4 Occ. δι' — 148 Occ. διὰ — 521 Occ. Διαβὰς — 1 Occ. διαβῆναι — 1 Occ. διέβησαν — 1 Occ. διεβλήθη — 1 Occ. διαβεβαιοῦνται — 1 Occ. διαβεβαιοῦσθαι — 1 Occ. διαβλέψεις — 2 Occ. διέβλεψεν — 1 Occ. |
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