2229. é
Lexicon
é: or, than

Original Word:
Part of Speech: Particle, Disjunctive Particle
Transliteration: é
Pronunciation: ay
Phonetic Spelling: (ay)
Definition: or, than
Meaning: truly, surely.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
surely.

An adverb of confirmation; perhaps intensive of e; used only (in the New Testament) before men; assuredly -- surely.

see GREEK e

see GREEK men

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
variant reading for ei, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2229: ἤ μήν

ἤ μήν, assuredly, most certainly, full surely (a particle used in asseverations, promises, oaths (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 53, 7 b.; Paley, Greek Particles, p. 38f)): Hebrews 6:14 R G; see εἰ, III. 9. (the Sept.; very often in classical Greek from Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent of the Greek particle ἤ is often the conjunction אוֹ (Strong's Hebrew 176), which also serves to present alternatives or choices, typically translated as "or" in English.

Usage: The particle ἤ is frequently used in the New Testament to present alternatives, choices, or contrasts. It can be found in questions, comparisons, and lists where options are being considered.

Context: The Greek particle ἤ (ē) is a fundamental conjunction in the New Testament, serving primarily to distinguish between two or more options or alternatives. It is a versatile particle that appears in various contexts, including rhetorical questions, comparisons, and logical distinctions.

In rhetorical questions, ἤ often introduces a second option that contrasts with the first, as seen in Matthew 6:25: "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Here, ἤ is used to emphasize the greater importance of life and the body over material needs.

In comparative contexts, ἤ can highlight a preference or superiority of one thing over another. For example, in Matthew 12:12, Jesus asks, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!" The use of ἤ underscores the greater value of human life.

Additionally, ἤ is employed in logical arguments to present mutually exclusive options, as in 1 Corinthians 6:16: "Or do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?" Here, ἤ introduces a critical point of consideration for the reader.

The particle is also used in lists to separate items, as seen in Romans 8:35: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" In this passage, ἤ is used repeatedly to list potential threats to the believer's relationship with Christ.

Overall, ἤ is a crucial particle in the Greek New Testament, facilitating clear communication of choices, contrasts, and logical distinctions.

Forms and Transliterations
η ημήν ήμην
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