Lexical Summary oukoun: therefore, then, consequently Original Word: οὐκοῦν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance then. From ou and oun; is it not therefore that, i.e. (affirmatively) hence or so -- then. see GREEK ou see GREEK oun NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ou, and oun Definition therefore, so then NASB Translation so (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3766: οὐκοῦνοὐκοῦν (from οὐκ and οὖν), adverb, not therefore; and since a speaker often introduces in this way his own opinion (see Krüger, as below), the particle is used affirmatively, therefore, then, the force of the negative disappearing. Hence, the saying of Pilate οὐκοῦν βασιλεύς εἰ σύ must be taken affirmatively: "then (since thou speakest of thy βασιλεία) thou art a king!" (German alsobistdudocheinKönig!), John 18:37 (cf. Buttmann, 249 (214)); but it is better to write οὐκοῦν, so that Pilate, arguing from the words of Christ, asks, not without irony, art thou not a king then? or in any case, thou art a king, art thou not? cf. Winer's Grammar, 512 (477). The difference between οὐκοῦν and οὐκοῦν is differently stated by different writers; cf. Herm. ad Vig., p. 792ff; Krüger, § 69, 51, 1 and 2; Kühner, § 508, 5 ii., p. 715ff, also the 3rd excurs. appended to his edition of Xenophon, memor.; (Bäumlein, Partikeln, pp. 191-198). Topical Lexicon Placement in Scripture The conjunction appears once in the canonical Greek New Testament, situated at John 18:37 in the conversation between Pontius Pilate and Jesus. Although rare in the New Testament, its single use stands at a pivotal juncture in the passion narrative. Contextual Impact in John 18:37 Pilate’s question, “Then You are a king?” (John 18:37), is propelled by this connective, tying Pilate’s deduction to Jesus’ previous affirmation. The conjunction presses the Roman governor toward a conclusion he cannot evade: acknowledgement that Jesus claims royal identity. Jesus’ reply—“You say that I am a king… I have come into the world, to testify to the truth”—confirms messianic kingship while redefining kingship in terms of truth rather than political power. The logical force sharpened by the conjunction intensifies the legal examination and heightens the dramatic contrast between earthly authority and heavenly authority. Logical Function in Biblical Narrative and Teaching Within Scripture’s broader narrative, the Spirit-inspired writers employ various inferential particles to guide readers from premise to conclusion. This term’s appearance at such a climactic moment exemplifies how divine revelation uses logical transitions to invite reasoned faith. The Gospel of John, devoted to signs that readers “may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31), unfolds an unbroken chain of testimony; the conjunction at John 18:37 signals the inevitable step toward the cross where the truth Jesus testifies will be vindicated. Historical Linguistic Considerations Classical and Hellenistic writers used this connective to tighten argumentative flow. By the first century, its usage had become less common, making its occurrence in John notable. Its rarity may underscore the evangelist’s intention: to embed a precise rhetorical device in a setting saturated with judicial language. Early church fathers, reading the text in Greek, perceived the legal gravity implicit in the term and cited the verse in apologetic writings that defended Christ’s kingship before civic magistrates. Theological Implications The conjunction spotlights the inexorable logic of divine purpose. Jesus’ origin (“for this reason I was born”) and mission (“to testify to the truth”) lead necessarily to the recognition of His royal authority. Scripture thus portrays truth not as abstract philosophy but as a Person whose kingdom is unassailable. The connective underlines the harmony between prophetic promise and historical fulfillment, reinforcing doctrines of incarnation, kingship, and veracity of revelation. Ministerial Applications 1. Evangelism: John 18:37 provides a template for presenting the gospel as truth that demands acknowledgment. The textual logic embodied in the conjunction encourages evangelists to frame gospel appeals with clear, reasoned progression. Intertextual Echoes in the Septuagint and Early Christian Writings While the precise term appears sparingly in the Septuagint, similar inferential particles often introduce divine verdicts (for example, Isaiah 1:24). Such usage forms a backdrop for John 18:37, where the ultimate verdict concerning the Son is rendered. Patristic commentators like Tertullian and Athanasius cited the verse to affirm both Christ’s kingship and the rationality of faith, implicitly relying on the connective’s force to assert that certain truths follow unavoidably from Scripture’s testimony. Summary Though occurring only once in the Greek New Testament, the conjunction at John 18:37 carries disproportionate significance. It drives Pilate’s interrogation to a theological climax, demonstrates Scripture’s logical integrity, and equips the church for thoughtful proclamation of the King who “came into the world, to testify to the truth.” Forms and Transliterations ου Ουκουν ουκούν Οὐκοῦν ουλή ουλής Oukoun OukoûnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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