Lexical Summary epeidé: Since, because, when Original Word: ἐπειδή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance after that, because, for, seeing, since. From epei and de; since now, i.e. (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas -- after that, because, for (that, -asmuch as), seeing, since. see GREEK epei see GREEK de HELPS Word-studies 1894 epeidḗ (a conjunction composed of 1909 /epí, "on, fitting"; 1487 /ei, "if", that assumes the premise is factual; and 1211 /dḗ, "indeed") – properly, aptly if indeed, which assumes the preceding is something factual – and emphatically what aptly (predictably) follows. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epei and dé Definition when now, seeing that NASB Translation because (2), since (5), when (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1894: ἐπειδήἐπειδή, conjunction (from ἐπεί and δή), Latincumjam, when now, since now (cf. Winer's Grammar, 434 (404), 448 (417); Ellicott on Philippians 2:26); 1. of time; when now, after that; so once in the N. T.: Luke 7:1 L T Tr text WH text 2. of cause; since, seeing that, forasmuch as: Matthew 21:46 (R G L); Luke 11:6; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:12; Acts 15:24; 1 Corinthians 1:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 14:16; 1 Corinthians 15:21; (2 Corinthians 5:4 Rec.st); Philippians 2:26. The conjunction ἐπειδή joins two statements by grounding the second in the established fact of the first. It frames an action or exhortation upon an accepted reality—“since,” “because,” and, in some narrative contexts, “when.” The word therefore signals that what follows is neither speculative nor optional; it rests on a settled reason. Survey of New Testament Usage 1. Luke 7:1 – Narrative transition: “When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, He entered Capernaum.” The Lord’s movement is portrayed as the necessary sequel to His completed teaching. Theological Significance • Divine Sovereignty in Mission: Acts 13:46 reveals that rejection itself may become the ordained means of widening grace. Implications for Ministry and Proclamation 1. Preaching Should Engage Stated Realities – Like Paul, gospel proclamation identifies the audience’s actual stance (“since you reject it”), then unfolds God’s remedy. Historical and Cultural Background In Classical and Koine literature, ἐπειδή often introduces explanations already familiar to both speaker and hearer. Luke, a meticulous historian, employs it to mark completed discourse before new action (Luke 7:1). Paul, steeped in rhetoric, uses the same conjunction to structure arguments that answer Corinthian and Philippian concerns. Thus the New Testament writers stand within common linguistic practice while employing the term to advance redemptive history. Homiletical and Devotional Considerations • Highlight the “givens” of the faith—creation, fall, incarnation, cross, resurrection—and build exhortation upon them. Pastoral Reflection The recurring pattern “since … therefore” teaches shepherds to address situations forthrightly: confess the underlying fact, then prescribe the gospel-shaped response. Whether dealing with doctrinal unrest, personal illness, or corporate worship, Scripture models transparent reasoning that fosters trust and obedience. Summary ἐπειδή binds reason to response all through the New Testament. It confirms that God’s revelations and apostolic directives arise from real events and conditions, making Christian faith historically grounded, intellectually satisfying, and pastorally relevant. Englishman's Concordance Luke 7:1 ConjGRK: Ἐπειδὴ ἐπλήρωσεν πάντα NAS: When He had completed all INT: And when he had completed all Luke 11:6 Conj Acts 13:46 Conj Acts 14:12 Conj Acts 15:24 Conj 1 Corinthians 1:21 Conj 1 Corinthians 1:22 Conj 1 Corinthians 14:16 Conj 1 Corinthians 15:21 Conj Philippians 2:26 Conj |
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