Lexical Summary hopós: "so that," "in order that," "how" Original Word: ὅπως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance because, how, so thatFrom hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual) -- because, how, (so) that, to, when. see GREEK hos see GREEK pos HELPS Word-studies 3704 hópōs (an adverb that is also used as a conjunction – derived from ho, "which" and 4459 /pṓs, "how, in what way," J. Thayer) – that, focusing on the necessary measures (factors, desires) that are required for the intended goal to be reached. 3704 /hópōs ("so that") is stronger than simple "that," because it emphasizes the method (qualities, prerequisites) involved to accomplish the objective (purpose) at hand. [3704 (hópōs) occurs over 50 times in the Greek NT.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hos, and pós Definition as, how, that NASB Translation end (1), how (4), order (2), so (26), what (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3704: ὅπωςὅπως (from πῶς and the relative ὁ), with the indicative, a relative adverb but, like the Latinut, assuming also the nature of a conjunction (cf. Winer's Grammar, 449 (418f)). I. As an adverb; as, in what manner, how; once so in the N. T. in an indirect question, with the indicative: οὐκ ἔγνως, ὅπως κτλ., Luke 24:20, where cf. Bornemann, Scholia etc. II. A conjunction, Latinut, answering to the German dass, that; in classical Greek with the optative, and subjunctive, and future indicative; cf. especially Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 681ff But the distinction observed between these constructions by the more elegant Greek writings is quite neglected in the N. T., and if we except Matthew 26:59 L T Tr (ὅπως θανατώσουσιν) (1 Corinthians 1:29 Rec.elz), only the subjunctive follows this particle (for in Mark 5:23, for ὅπως ... ζήσεται, L text T Tr WH have correctly restored ἵνα ... ζήσῃ); cf. Winers Grammar, 289 (271); Buttmann, 233f (201f); (214 (185)). 1. It denotes the purpose or end, in order that; with the design or to the end that; that; a. without ἄν — after the present, Matthew 6:2, 16; Philemon 1:6; Hebrews 9:15; after ἐστε to be supplied, 1 Peter 2:9; after the perfect, Acts 9:17; Hebrews 2:9; ὅπως μή, Luke 16:26; after the imperfect, Matthew 26:59 (R G (see above)); Acts 9:24; after the aorist, Acts 9:2, 12; Acts 25:26; Romans 9:17; Galatians 1:4; ὅπως μή, Acts 20:16; 1 Corinthians 1:29; after the pluperfect, John 11:57; after the future, Matthew 23:35; and Rec. in Acts 24:26; after an aorist subjunctive by which something is asked for, Mark 5:23 Rec.; after imperatives, Matthew 2:8; Matthew 5:16, 45; Matthew 6:4; Acts 23:15, 23; 2 Corinthians 8:11; ὅπως μή, Matthew 6:18; after clauses with ἵνα and the aorist subjunctive, Luke 16:28; 2 Corinthians 8:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:12. Noteworthy is the phrase ὅπως πληροθη, i. e. that according to God's purpose it might be brought to pass or might be proved by the event, of O. T. prophecies and types (see ἵνα, II. 3 at the end): Matthew 2:23; Matthew 8:17; Matthew 12:17 (where L T Tr WH ἵνα); b. ὅπως ἄν, that, if it be possible, Matthew 6:5 R G; that, if what I have just said shall come to pass, Luke 2:35; Acts 3:20 ( 2. As in the Greek writings also (cf. Winers Grammar, 338 (317); (Buttmann, § 139, 41)), ὅπως with the subjunctive is used after verbs of praying, entreating, asking, exhorting, to denote what one wishes to be done: Matthew 8:34 (here L ἵνα); The particle ὅπως consistently introduces a purpose clause, depicting either God’s design or human intention. Its 53 New Testament appearances cluster in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, then re-emerge in key doctrinal passages of Paul, James, Hebrews, and Peter. Whether the motive is holy or hostile, ὅπως draws attention to the end God ultimately governs. Divine Purpose in Redemption • Galatians 1:4 links the cross to rescue: “who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, so that He might rescue us according to the will of our God and Father.” These statements reveal a deliberate, saving intent that undergirds every redemptive event. Manifestation of God’s Glory God’s desire for public honor often appears with ὅπως: Purpose clauses here highlight that both judgment and grace serve the revelation of divine glory. Formation of Disciple Conduct Jesus warns against outward religiosity motivated by human praise (Matthew 6:2, 6:5, 6:16) and urges genuine secrecy “so that your Father… will reward you” (Matthew 6:4, 6:18). Positive purpose surfaces in Matthew 5:45: love for enemies exists “so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” The particle therefore shapes Christian ethics by focusing the disciple on the Father’s approval rather than human applause. Prayer, Intercession, and Ministry Requests ὅπως marks petitions aimed at Kingdom advance: These uses emphasize purposeful prayer that expects specific, God-honoring outcomes. Mission and Evangelism Old Testament promise and apostolic mission converge with ὅπως: The particle keeps mission future-oriented—grounded in prophecy yet pressing toward fulfillment. Warnings Against Hypocrisy and Malevolent Schemes Negative motives are laid bare: Scripture exposes these purposes to demonstrate both human culpability and divine overruling. Providence Over Adversity Even hostile intentions fall beneath God’s sovereign plan. When plots arise (Acts 23:23), the Roman commander dispatches troops “so that Paul might be brought safely to Felix,” illustrating Proverbs 19:21 in narrative form. Link to Old Testament Fulfillment ὅπως regularly frames fulfilment citations: Purpose clauses therefore bridge promise and realization, affirming Scripture’s unified storyline. Eschatological Outlook 2 Thessalonians 1:12 connects present suffering to final vindication: “so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.” Purpose looks beyond history toward consummation, assuring believers their trials serve an eternal design. Historical Usage in Church Liturgy Patristic writers, following apostolic precedent, wove ὅπως into baptismal and Eucharistic prayers (e.g., “so that all who partake may be sanctified”). The particle thus helped shape early liturgical language of petition and purpose. Pastoral Application 1. Teach believers to evaluate motives—are actions ordered “so that” God is glorified or self is advanced? Statistical Distribution Gospels: 20 occurrences Acts: 14 occurrences Pauline Letters: 11 occurrences General Epistles and Hebrews: 8 occurrences The distribution underscores the theme’s continuity from Jesus’ earthly ministry through apostolic teaching and pastoral counsel. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:8 AdvGRK: ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι ὅπως κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν NAS: [Him], report to me, so that I too KJV: word again, that I may come INT: bring word back to me that I also having come Matthew 2:23 Adv Matthew 5:16 Adv Matthew 5:45 Adv Matthew 6:2 Adv Matthew 6:4 Adv Matthew 6:5 Adv Matthew 6:16 Adv Matthew 6:18 Adv Matthew 8:17 Adv Matthew 8:34 Adv Matthew 9:38 Adv Matthew 12:14 Adv Matthew 13:35 Adv Matthew 22:15 Adv Matthew 23:35 Adv Matthew 26:59 Adv Mark 3:6 Adv Luke 2:35 Adv Luke 7:3 Adv Luke 10:2 Adv Luke 11:37 Adv Luke 16:26 Adv Luke 16:28 Adv Luke 24:20 Adv |
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