Lexical Summary epan: when, whenever Original Word: ἐπάν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance when. From epi and an; a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as -- when. see GREEK epi see GREEK an NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epei and an Definition after, when NASB Translation when (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1875: ἐπάνἐπάν, conjunction (from ἐπεί and ἄν), after, when: with the subjunctive present Luke 11:34; with the subjunctive aorist, answering to the Latin future exact. (future perfect), Matthew 2:8; Luke 11:22. Cf. Klotz ad Devar. 2:2, p. 547. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1875 marks decisive moments—points at which one action is contingent on another. Rather than a vague “if,” the term frames a definite “when,” emphasizing that the subsequent event will certainly follow once the stated condition is met. In Scripture this nuance highlights God-ordered timing, human responsibility, and the inevitability of consequences. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 2:8 – Herod to the Magi: “Go and search carefully for the child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him”. Thematic Significance Readiness and Response Divine Timing Throughout Scripture, God arranges pivotal “whens” (Genesis 18:14; Acts 1:8). Strong’s 1875 aligns with this motif, revealing that redemptive history moves on a divinely fixed timetable. Herod’s scheming, demonic resistance, and personal holiness each unfold under sovereign oversight. Moral Certainty The term carries an expectation of consequence: when the child is found, news will spread; when the stronger comes, victory ensues; when the eye is clear, light fills the body. Scripture thus affirms an unbroken link between cause and effect, reinforcing the biblical ethic of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7). Historical Context First-century readers lived in an honor-shame culture that valued decisive action. Contracts, military orders, and judicial decisions often hinged on set conditions. By using a particle that insists on fulfillment, the Evangelists speak a language of legal and social certainty. Herod’s command feels official; Jesus’ teaching on spiritual warfare and moral sight carries courtroom inevitability. Practical Ministry Applications Evangelism Matthew 2:8 reminds believers to share Christ promptly “when” they discover Him. Delay weakens witness; immediacy authenticates it (2 Corinthians 6:2). Spiritual Warfare Luke 11:22 assures the church that deliverance is not a possibility but a certainty when Christ intervenes. Prayer ministries can proclaim victory with confidence. Discipleship and Personal Holiness Luke 11:34 calls Christians to guard inputs. Bible study, fellowship, and confession clarify spiritual sight; indulged sin clouds it. Leaders exhort congregations to cultivate healthy “eyes” so that whole-life transformation follows. Related Biblical Concepts • “Fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4) – God’s predetermined “when.” Conclusion Strong’s 1875 surfaces only three times, yet each occurrence crystallizes the certainty of God’s timetable and the necessity of human response. Scripture portrays history, spiritual conflict, and personal transformation as arenas where pivotal “whens” arrive—and truly change everything. Forms and Transliterations επαν επάν ἐπὰν epan epànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:8 ConjGRK: τοῦ παιδίου ἐπὰν δὲ εὕρητε NAS: for the Child; and when you have found KJV: and when ye have found INT: the child when moreover you shall have found [him] Luke 11:22 Conj Luke 11:34 Conj |
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