Lexical Summary éper: "if indeed," "since," "if so be" Original Word: ἔπερ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance than. From e and per; than at all (or than perhaps, than indeed) -- than. see GREEK e see GREEK per NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee é and per. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2260: ἤπερἤπερ, see ἤ, 4 d. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2260 (ἤπερ, hḗper) is an intensive comparative particle that heightens the contrast between two alternatives—“rather than,” “more than,” “in preference to.” Its lone New Testament appearance is in John 12:43, yet the force of the conjunction lays bare a perennial struggle in the human heart: the temptation to value temporal acclaim above divine approval. Scriptural Context (John 12:43) “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (Berean Standard Bible) John reports that many of the rulers believed in Jesus, “but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess Him” (John 12:42). Verse 43 supplies the motive: their affections were misaligned. The choice of ἤπερ underscores the intensity of their preference—public recognition eclipsed the honor that comes from God. Historical Background In first-century Judea, religious status was intertwined with social standing. Honor-shame culture prized accolades in public spaces such as synagogues and marketplaces (Matthew 6:2,5). Admission of faith in Jesus threatened expulsion from the synagogue (John 9:22), a severe social and economic penalty. John’s gospel exposes how religious leaders, despite intellectual assent, capitulated to cultural pressure. Semantic and Literary Significance 1. Intensification: ἤπερ amplifies a standard comparative (ἤ) by adding περ, conveying an emphatic “decidedly rather than.” Intertextual Echoes Though ἤπερ itself appears only here in the New Testament, the dilemma resurfaces often: Each passage echoes the sharpened contrast introduced by ἤπερ. Usage in the Septuagint (Representative Examples) The particle appears frequently in the Greek Old Testament, invariably heightening contrast: The pattern reinforces a covenantal principle: God’s favor surpasses human advantage. Theological Implications 1. Ordered Affections: Scripture calls believers to love the Lord with all the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). When lesser loves ascend, faith falters. Ministry Application • Leadership Integrity: Spiritual leaders must guard against the subtle shift from God-centered ministry to platform-building. Preaching, social media presence, and organizational metrics can inadvertently tilt affections. Homiletical Observations 1. Diagnostic: Ask congregations, “Whose approval shapes your decisions?” Practical Exercises • Silence and Solitude: Regular times away from human applause foster dependence on God’s affirmation. Conclusion Strong’s 2260, though a modest particle, magnifies a watershed decision: whose glory will we seek? John 12:43 warns and invites—turn from the fleeting accolades of men and embrace the everlasting honor that God bestows on those who believe and confess His Son. Forms and Transliterations ηπερ ήπερ ἤπερ eper ēper ḗperLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 12:43 PrtclGRK: ἀνθρώπων μᾶλλον ἤπερ τὴν δόξαν KJV: of men more than the praise of God. INT: of men more than the glory |
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