Lexical Summary epei: Since, because, for, then Original Word: ἐπεί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance because, else, for that, otherwiseFrom epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since (of time or cause) -- because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when. see GREEK epi see GREEK ei HELPS Word-studies 1893 epeí (a conjunction composed of 1909, "on, fitting" and 1487 /ei, "if, which assumes the premise is factual") – properly, aptly if, introducing something assumed to be factual and fitting, i.e. as appropriate to what is assumed. Its sense is, "Assume what precedes is true, and understand what follows to be appropriate and applicable" (i.e. true as well). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and ei Definition when, because NASB Translation because (5), otherwise (8), since (11). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1893: ἐπείἐπεί (from temporal ἐπί and εἰ, literally, thereupon when; Curtius, Erläut. etc., p. 182; cf. Etym. Magn. 356, 7), conjunction (Latincum), when, since (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 53, 1); used: 1. of time, after; so once in the N. T.: Luke 7:1 (where L T Tr text WH text ἐπειδή). 2. of cause, etc., since, seeing that, because: Matthew 18:32; (Matthew 21:40 T Tr WH); ἐπεί serves as a causal connector, moving an argument or narrative forward by supplying the ground for what precedes or follows. Whether translated “since,” “because,” or “for,” it signals that what is being stated rests on an already-established fact. In every New Testament occurrence the term reinforces logical coherence, underscoring that divine revelation is never arbitrary but always reasoned and rooted in truth. Usage in Gospel Narratives 1. Divine mercy illustrated Matthew 18:32: “I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me.” The causal clause highlights the master’s mercy as a direct response to the servant’s plea, preparing the hearer for the moral that forgiven people must forgive. 2. Messianic identity and public perception Matthew 21:46; Mark 15:42; John 19:31 show religious leaders adjusting their plans “because” of crowd sentiment or Sabbath concerns. ἐπεί underlines how God’s sovereign timetable was accomplished even through human calculations. 3. Angelic explanation and the virgin birth Luke 1:34 records Mary’s question, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” Her use of ἐπεί sets the stage for the angelic proclamation of the miraculous conception, underscoring the supernatural origin of Jesus Christ. Pauline Employment for Doctrinal Argumentation 1. Vindication of divine justice Romans 3:6: “Certainly not! For then how could God judge the world?” Paul’s rhetorical use of ἐπεί exposes the absurdity of suggesting God is unjust. 2. Grace versus works Romans 11:6: “And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” The causal clause cements the mutually exclusive nature of grace and works in salvation. 3. Holiness in the Christian home 1 Corinthians 7:14: “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband.” ἐπεί grounds Paul’s pastoral assurance that a mixed marriage is not defiling but potentially redemptive. 4. Resurrection logic 1 Corinthians 15:29: “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?” The particle presses the reader to follow the chain of reasoning that culminates in the certainty of bodily resurrection. Rhetorical Offset in Corinthians In 1 Corinthians 14:12, 14:16, and 2 Corinthians 11:18; 13:3, ἐπεί introduces conditional reasoning aimed at correcting attitudes toward spiritual gifts and apostolic authority. Its repetitive use crafts a Socratic dialogue that both answers objections and imposes apostolic logic upon the congregation. Profound Theological Layers within Hebrews 1. Incarnation and atonement Hebrews 2:14: “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death.” The word links Christ’s identification with humanity to His victory over the devil. 2. Sabbath rest and perseverance Hebrews 4:6 establishes that unbelief, not lack of opportunity, bars entry into God’s rest. 3. High-priestly qualification Hebrews 5:2 and 5:11 use ἐπεί to argue that Christ’s compassionate ministry arises “because” He understands human weakness, yet listeners are “slow to learn” in grasping its implications. 4. Covenant efficacy Hebrews 9:26: “But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” ἐπεί clarifies why repeated sacrifices are unnecessary—the single offering of Christ is sufficient. Pastoral and Ecclesial Significance Because ἐπεί consistently furnishes reasons, it models for preaching and teaching a theology that persuades both heart and mind. The faithful expositor can follow this inspired pattern by grounding every doctrinal assertion in the revealed character and acts of God, thereby cultivating a congregation that believes not merely because it is instructed to do so, but because Scripture provides compelling grounds. Historical Notes on Translation Early English versions (e.g., Tyndale, Geneva) almost uniformly render ἐπεί as “because” or “seeing that,” preserving the causal nuance. Modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, continue this tradition, reflecting the unbroken recognition that God’s Word invites rational trust. Summary Across twenty-seven occurrences, ἐπεί binds narrative detail to divine purpose, doctrine to evidence, and exhortation to motivation. By attending to its causal force, readers and teachers discern not only what God says, but why He says it, thereby deepening confidence in the coherence and reliability of the whole counsel of God. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:32 ConjGRK: ἀφῆκά σοι ἐπεὶ παρεκάλεσάς με NAS: that debt because you pleaded KJV: that debt, because thou desiredst me: INT: I forgave you since you begged me Matthew 21:46 Conj Matthew 27:6 Conj Mark 15:42 Conj Luke 1:34 Conj John 13:29 Conj John 19:31 Conj Romans 3:6 Conj Romans 11:6 Conj Romans 11:6 Conj Romans 11:22 Conj 1 Corinthians 5:10 Conj 1 Corinthians 7:14 Conj 1 Corinthians 14:12 Conj 1 Corinthians 14:16 Conj 1 Corinthians 15:29 Conj 2 Corinthians 11:18 Conj 2 Corinthians 13:3 Conj Hebrews 2:14 Conj Hebrews 4:6 Conj Hebrews 5:2 Conj Hebrews 5:11 Conj Hebrews 6:13 Conj Hebrews 9:17 Conj Hebrews 9:26 Conj |
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