Lexical Summary kaitoige: "yet indeed," "although," "nevertheless" Original Word: καίτοιγε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nevertheless, though. From kaitoi and ge; and yet indeed, i.e. Although really -- nevertheless, though. see GREEK kaitoi see GREEK ge HELPS Word-studies 2544 kaítoige (from 2543 /kaítoi, "even so, indeed" and 1065 /gé, "indeed, really") – although – literally, "even so indeed" (= really!). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kaitoi and ge Definition and yet, indeed NASB Translation although (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2544: καίτοιγεκαίτοιγε, see γέ, 3 f. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2544 is a two-part conjunction that introduces a concessive clause—“and yet,” “although,” “even so.” In biblical narrative it signals that a statement is to be held as true while simultaneously granting a qualifying fact. This single word highlights the careful precision with which the Holy Spirit led the sacred writers to convey both the fullness and the subtlety of divine truth. Literary Function 1. Concession: It acknowledges a reality that might seem to contradict a previous assertion, then resolves the tension by clarification. Biblical Context: John 4:2 “—although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were.” (John 4:2) John has just recorded that “Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John” (John 4:1). The conjunction immediately follows, stressing that the Lord’s growing influence did not come from His own hands performing the rite but from His authority working through His followers. The Evangelist is safeguarding two truths at once: Christ’s Delegated Ministry The verse illustrates a principle woven through the Gospels and Acts: the Messiah carries forward His mission by delegating tasks—healing, preaching, administrating ordinances—to disciples who act under His commission (Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:1; John 20:21). The conjunction underscores that what matters is not the earthly agent but the divine authority behind the act. Humility and Authority of Jesus Placing the qualifying clause directly after the announcement of numerical success prevents any misunderstanding that a ministry’s fruit depends on human technique. Jesus’ restraint models servant-leadership: though entitled to perform every aspect of the rite, He allowed others to serve, magnifying both their growth and the ordination of humble means. Baptismal Theology Kaitoige protects the doctrine that baptism’s power is rooted in Christ’s word and Spirit, not in the hands that administer it (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14-17). The verse anticipates later controversies about sacramental efficacy by affirming that Christ can mediate grace through authorized representatives without diminishing His own central role. Comparative Usage in the Septuagint and Extra-Biblical Koine In secular Greek writings the same compound concedes one fact while affirming another, often in legal or rhetorical argumentation. Similar concessive particles appear in the Septuagint—for example, “although (καίπερ) they knew God” (Wisdom 12:2). This broader linguistic background shows that the Evangelist intentionally chose a term familiar to first-century readers for signaling precise logical relationships. Rhetorical Nuance: Concession and Clarification By setting the corrective clause before the main verb of the sentence (“Jesus was not baptizing”), the author invites the reader to slow down, reflect, and assimilate the exact balance of truth. Such fine detail underlines the reliability of Scripture, demonstrating that no phrase is superfluous. Pastoral and Missional Application • Delegation: Leaders today can entrust key responsibilities to others without surrendering doctrinal oversight. Homiletical Suggestions 1. Use John 4:2 in sermons on teamwork—“Christ’s work through common hands.” Conclusion Although a single occurrence, Strong’s 2544 carries significant doctrinal and practical weight. It shows Scripture’s precision, Christ’s method of empowering disciples, and the enduring call for humble, delegated ministry that centers all glory on the Lord Himself. Forms and Transliterations καιτοιγε καίτοιγε kaitoige kaítoigeLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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