Lexical Summary plén: Nevertheless, but, except, however Original Word: πλήν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nevertheless, however, notwithstanding, save, than. From pleion; moreover (besides), i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet -- but (rather), except, nevertheless, notwithstanding, save, than. see GREEK pleion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from the cptv. form of polus Definition yet, except NASB Translation besides (1), except (2), however (3), nevertheless (8), only (1), than (1), yet (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4133: πλήνπλήν, adverb (from πλέον 'more' (Curtius, § 375; Lob. Path. Element. 1:143; 2:93 (cf. Lightfoot on Philippians 3:16)); hence, properly, beyond, besides, further); it stands: 1. adverbially, at the beginning of a sentence, serving either to restrict, or to unfold and expand what has preceded: moreover, besides, so that, according to the requirements of the context, it may also be rendered but, nevertheless; (howbeit; cf. Buttmann, § 146, 2): Matthew 11:22, 24; Matthew 18:7; Matthew 26:39, 64; Luke 6:24, 35; Luke 10:11, 14, 20; Luke 11:41; Luke 12:31; Luke 13:33; Luke 17:1 L Tr text WH; 2. as a preposition, with the genitive (first so by Homer, Odyssey 8, 207; (cf. Winers Grammar, § 54, 6)), besides, except, but: Mark 12:32; John 8:10; Acts 8:1; Acts 15:28; Acts 27:22. Cf. Klotz ad Devar. II. 2, p. 724f. The term translated “however,” “nevertheless,” “yet,” or “except” occurs thirty-two times in the Greek New Testament, serving as a hinge that both concedes a point and redirects attention to a greater reality. Whether spoken by the Lord Jesus, narrated by Luke, or penned by Paul and John, the word consistently preserves the tension between human circumstance and divine purpose, anchoring the reader in God’s final word on every matter. In Jesus’ Teaching and Prayer 1. Contrast after Warning: Matthew 11:22, 24; Luke 6:24; 10:11, 14. After announcing judgment, Jesus adds a sober “nevertheless” that underlines certainty while stressing personal responsibility. Luke’s Narrative Bridge Luke employs the term to move his twin volumes forward. In Acts it marks decisive turns: persecution scatters the church “except the apostles” (Acts 8:1); prophetic warnings come, “yet” Paul is bound for Jerusalem (Acts 20:23); a foundering ship will sink, “yet” every life is spared (Acts 27:22). Pauline Nuance of Mutuality and Mission Paul often places profound theological balance after the particle. Eschatological Exhortation Revelation 2:25 weds present faithfulness to future hope: “Nevertheless, hold fast to what you have until I come.” The church at Thyatira is urged to cling to truth in an age of moral compromise, anticipating the return of Christ. Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty and Responsibility: The particle safeguards both. Divine decrees stand (“the Son of Man goes as it has been determined”) while human accountability remains (“yet woe to that man,” Luke 22:22). Ministry Application • Preaching: Use the “nevertheless” moments of Scripture to reveal the gospel pivot—sin conceded, grace proclaimed. Historical Reflections Early Christian writers noted the term’s role in harmonizing seemingly opposite truths. Athanasius cited Luke 22:42 to defend both Christ’s true humanity and His perfect divine obedience. Reformers highlighted “nevertheless” passages to affirm justification by faith while urging holy living. Devotional Summary Every occurrence of Strong’s 4133 whispers the same assurance: circumstances speak, conscience objects, opponents attack—nevertheless, God’s word stands, Christ’s will prevails, and the Spirit empowers His people to press on until “nevertheless, I come” becomes glorious sight. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:22 AdvGRK: πλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν NAS: Nevertheless I say KJV: But I say unto you, INT: But I say to you Matthew 11:24 Adv Matthew 18:7 Adv Matthew 26:39 Adv Matthew 26:64 Adv Mark 12:32 Adv Luke 6:24 Adv Luke 6:35 Adv Luke 10:11 Adv Luke 10:14 Adv Luke 10:20 Adv Luke 11:41 Adv Luke 12:31 Adv Luke 13:33 Adv Luke 17:1 Adv Luke 18:8 Adv Luke 19:27 Adv Luke 22:21 Adv Luke 22:22 Adv Luke 22:42 Adv Luke 23:28 Adv John 8:10 Adv Acts 8:1 Adv Acts 15:28 Adv Acts 20:23 Adv |
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