Lexical Summary kan: even if, although, though Original Word: καν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and if, at the least, though, yet. From kai and ean; and (or even) if -- and (also) if (so much as), if but, at the least, though, yet. see GREEK kai see GREEK ean NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kai and ean Definition and if NASB Translation even (1), even if (4), if (4), if even (1), just (2), least (1), or even (1), though (1), whether (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2579: κἄνκἄν (Griesbach κἄν; see κἀγώ, at the beginning), by crusts for καί ἐάν (cf. Winers Grammar, § 5, 3; Buttmann, p. 10; Tdf Proleg., p. 97; WH's Appendix, p. 145{b}); hence joined with the subjunctive; 1. and if: Matthew 10:23 G L; Mark 16:18; (Luke 12:38 (bis) T Tr text WH; John 8:55 L T Tr WH; 1 Corinthians 13:2{a} L WH, 2^b Tr text WH, 3^a L Tr WH, 3^b L WH); James 5:15; by aposiopesis with the suppression of the apodosis, κἄν μέν ποιήσῃ καρπόν, namely, εὖ ἔχει it is well (or some such phrase), Luke 13:9; cf. Winers Grammar, 600 (558); (Buttmann, § 151, 26). 2. also or even if; a. if only, at least, in abridged discourse: κἄν τόν ἱματίων αὐτοῦ, namely, ἅψωμαι, Mark 5:28; also ἵνα (namely, ἅψωνται αὐτοῦ) κἄν τοῦ κρασπέδου ... ἅψωνται, Mark 6:56: ἵνα ἐρχομένου Πέτρου (namely, τί αὐτοῦ ἐπισκιάσῃ αὐτῶν) κἄν ἡ σκιά etc. Acts 5:15; κἄν ὡς ἄφρονα namely, δεξησθε με, 2 Corinthians 11:16; (Wis. 14:4 Wis. 15:2). Cf. Buttmann, § 149, 6; (Winers Grammar, 584 (543); Green, Gram. of the N. T., p. 230; Klotz ad Devar. ii. 1, p. 139f; Liddell and Scott, under the word; Sophocles Lexicon, under the word). b. even if: Matthew 21:21; Matthew 26:35; John 8:14; John 10:38; (John 11:25); Hebrews 12:20. Strong’s Greek 2579 supplies Scripture with the compact expression “even if / and if,” a turn of phrase that places an event in the realm of possibility while heightening its force. Rather than introducing mere hypotheticals, it stresses that what follows is genuinely within God’s purview—whether the prospect is astonishing (Matthew 21:21) or sobering (Hebrews 12:20). By coupling assurance with contingency, the word becomes a quiet but potent witness to the Lord’s sovereignty, the believer’s responsibility, and the certainty of divine outcomes. Grammatical Function in Scripture 1. Intensified conditional: More emphatic than a simple “if,” it accents the outcome’s inevitability should the condition be met (John 11:25). Occurrences and Contexts • Faith that uproots mountains – Matthew 21:21 “...but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.” “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You.” The sick press in, convinced that “even a touch” of Christ’s garment suffices. “...and even if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them.” Blessing is promised “even if” the master returns in the later watches. A final year is granted; “and if” it still fails, judgment follows. “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid...” “Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” Beds are placed so “that at least” Peter’s shadow might fall on some. Self-sacrifice “even if” martyrdom profits nothing without love. Paul invites being regarded “even if” as a fool to expose false boasting. “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” “The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” Theological Themes Faith’s Certainty amid Possibility The expression often sits beside statements of divine capability. Christ teaches that extraordinary acts follow simple trust (Matthew 21:21; Mark 5:28). The conjunction reminds the reader that the human side (faith, obedience) partners with God’s unbounded power. Perseverance and Commitment From Peter’s bold pledge (Matthew 26:35) to the believers who may face poison or snakes (Mark 16:18), the term draws a line of consecration: even in extremity, faith stands firm. Divine Grace and Warning Luke 13:9 blends mercy (“give it another year”) with justice (“and if not, cut it down”). Likewise Hebrews 12:20 portrays the holiness of God that tolerates no breach, “even if” accidental. Love as the Essential Motive 1 Corinthians 13:3 harnesses the word to show that heroic sacrifice, “even if” it reaches the flames, is empty without love—placing motive above deed. Intercessory Confidence James 5:15 weds physical healing and spiritual restoration. The possibility of sin’s forgiveness “if” present testifies that God’s saving work addresses body and soul alike. Historical-Hermeneutical Insights Early Greek writers used the construction for forceful concession; the New Testament writers harness it to underscore the profound security of promises in Christ. Patristic expositors such as Chrysostom read Matthew 26:35 as highlighting the futility of self-reliance, while Reformers pointed to James 5:15 to defend pastoral visitation and prayer. In evangelistic preaching of the Awakenings, John 11:25 became a favorite text, stressing that resurrection life prevails “even if” the believer sleeps in death. Pastoral Application • Encourage believers to pray bold prayers, knowing that God can act “even if” situations appear irrevocable. Contribution to Ministry and Preaching The word is a preacher’s ally for emphasizing: 1. The boundlessness of divine ability. Summary Strong’s 2579 threads through seventeen New Testament verses, quietly intensifying conditional statements and thereby magnifying God’s authority, man’s accountability, and the gospel’s assurance. Whether highlighting miraculous power, calling for steadfast loyalty, or reinforcing the imperative of love, it consistently presses believers to trust and obey—even if the cost is great, even if the outcome is unseen, and even if death itself seems to stand in the way. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:21 Prtcl-CGRK: ποιήσετε ἀλλὰ κἂν τῷ ὄρει NAS: was done to the fig tree, but even if you say KJV: but also if ye shall say INT: will you do but even if to the mountain Matthew 26:35 Prtcl-C Mark 5:28 Prtcl-C Mark 6:56 Prtcl-C Mark 16:18 Prtcl-C Luke 12:38 Prtcl-C Luke 12:38 Prtcl-C Luke 13:9 Prtcl-C John 8:14 Prtcl-C John 8:55 Prtcl-C John 10:38 Prtcl-C John 11:25 Prtcl-C Acts 5:15 Prtcl-C 1 Corinthians 13:3 Prtcl-C 2 Corinthians 11:16 Prtcl-C Hebrews 12:20 Prtcl-C James 5:15 Prtcl-C |
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