2260. éper

Lexicon

éper: "if indeed," "since," "if so be"

Original Word: ἔπερ
Part of Speech: Particle, Disjunctive Particle
Transliteration: éper
Pronunciation: eh'-per
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-per)
Definition: "if indeed," "since," "if so be"
Meaning: than.

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 Origin
see é and per.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2260: ἤπερ

ἤπερ, see ἤ, 4 d.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, Strong's 1909) meaning "on" or "upon," and the particle ἄν (an, Strong's 302) which often implies contingency or potentiality.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἔπερ, similar conditional expressions can be found in Hebrew using particles like אִם (im, Strong's 518), which means "if." This Hebrew particle is used to introduce conditional clauses, much like ἔπερ in Greek, and is foundational in conveying the conditional nature of many biblical covenants and promises.

Usage: The word ἔπερ is not frequently used in the New Testament. It serves to introduce conditional statements, often highlighting a sense of uncertainty or possibility.

Context: The Greek term ἔπερ is a conditional particle that appears in the context of hypothetical or potential situations. It is a compound of ἐπί (epi) and ἄν (an), which together convey a nuanced sense of "if indeed" or "if perhaps." This construction is used to introduce clauses that are contingent upon certain conditions being met. In the New Testament, such expressions are often employed to discuss theological or moral conditions, emphasizing the potential outcomes based on human response or divine action.

The use of ἔπερ in the New Testament reflects the broader Greek linguistic tradition of employing conditional particles to articulate complex ideas about possibility and contingency. This aligns with the biblical theme of human agency and divine sovereignty, where certain outcomes are presented as contingent upon faith, obedience, or divine will.

While ἔπερ itself is not directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible, its conceptual role is crucial in understanding the conditional nature of many biblical promises and warnings. The term underscores the importance of human response in the unfolding of divine plans, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

Forms and Transliterations

ηπερ ήπερ ἤπερ eper ēper ḗper

Englishman's Concordance

John 12:43 Prtcl
GRK: ἀνθρώπων μᾶλλον ἤπερ τὴν δόξαν
KJV: of men more than the praise of God.
INT: of men more than the glory

Strong's Greek 2260
1 Occurrence

ἤπερ — 1 Occ.