Lexical Summary hóste: so that, therefore, so as to Original Word: ὥστε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance so thatFrom hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) -- (insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore. see GREEK hos see GREEK te HELPS Word-studies 5620 hṓste (a conjunction, derived from 5613 /hōs, "as" and 5037 /té, "both-and") – wherefore (with the result that both . . . ), connecting cause to necessary effect which emphasizes the result (the combined, end-accomplishment). The result involved then is the combination of both elements in the correlation, underscoring the inevitable effect of the paired elements. [This common point ("fulcrum") of the correlation is the key link for yielding the result of the cause-and-effect relationship.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hós and te Definition so as to, so then, therefore NASB Translation order (1), result (2), so (43), so then (9), such an extent (3), therefore (16). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5620: ὥστεὥστε (from ὡς and the enclitic τέ (Tdf. Proleg., p. 110)), a consecutive conjunction, i. e. expressing consequence or result, from Homer down, cf. Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 770ff; Winers Grammar, § 41 b. 5 N. 1, p. 301 (282f); (Buttmann, § 139, 50); 1. so that (A. V. frequently insomuch that); a. with an infinitive (or accusative and infinitive) (Buttmann, § 142, 3; the neg. in this construction is μή, Buttmann, § 148, 6; Winer's Grammar, 480 (447)): preceded by the demonstrative οὕτως, Acts 14:1; τοσοῦτος, Matthew 15:33 (so many loaves as to fill etc.); without a demonstrative preceding (where ὥστε defines more accurately the magnitude, extent, or quantity), Matthew 8:24, 28; Matthew 12:22; Matthew 13:2, 32, 54; Matthew 15:31; Matthew 27:14; Mark 1:27, 45; Mark 2:2, 12; Mark 3:10, 20; Mark 4:1, 32, 37; Mark 9:26; Mark 15:5; Luke 5:7; Luke 12:1; Acts 1:19; Acts 5:15; Acts 15:39; Acts 16:26; Acts 19:10, 12, 16; Romans 7:6; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 3:7; 2 Corinthians 7:7; Philippians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Peter 1:21; it is used also of a designed result, so as to equivalent to in order to, for to, Matthew 10:1; Matthew 24:24 (their design); b. so that, with the indicative (Buttmann, 244 (210); cf. Winer's Grammar, 301 (283); Meyer or Ellicott on Galatians, as below): Galatians 2:13, and often in secular authors; preceded by οὕτως, John 3:16. 2. so then, therefore, wherefore: with the indicative (cf. Passow, under the word, II. 1 b., vol. ii., p. 2639{b}; (Liddell and Scott, under the word B. II. 2; the neg. in this construction is οὐ, Buttmann, § 148, 5)), Matthew 12:12; Matthew 19:6; Matthew 23:31; Mark 2:28; Mark 10:8; Romans 7:4, 12; Romans 13:2; 1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 7:38; 1 Corinthians 11:27; 1 Corinthians 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:16; Galatians 3:9, 24; Galatians 4:7, 16; once with a hortatory subjunctive, 1 Corinthians 5:8 (here L marginal reading indicative). before an imperative: 1 Corinthians 3:21; ( STRONGS NT 5620a: ὠτάριονὠτάριον, ὠταριου, τό (diminutive of οὖς, ὠτός; cf. γυναικάριον (Winer's Grammar, 24, 96 (91))), equivalent to ὠτίον (which see), the ear: Mark 14:47 L T Tr WH; John 18:10 T Tr WH. (Anthol. 11, 75, 2; Anaxandrides quoted in Athen. 3, p. 95 c.) Ὥστε signals result. It advances a thought from cause to consequence, often introducing either an actual outcome (“so that”) or an inevitable conclusion (“therefore”). In narrative scenes this conjunction keeps the account moving (Mark 4:37); in didactic sections it tightens logic (Romans 7:12). Connecting Cause and Effect in Narratives The Synoptic Gospels frequently place ὥστε between a miraculous act of Jesus and its immediate effect on the crowd. After the stilling of the storm “a furious squall came up … so that the boat was being swamped” (Mark 4:37). When Jesus heals, astonishment follows “so that the people marveled” (Matthew 15:31). These links underscore the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts: powerful deeds produced observable, public responses. Highlighting Divine Purpose and Fulfilment Ὥστε often introduces God-intended purpose that is being realized in history. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The verse unites eternal divine love (cause) with the gift of salvation (result), presenting both as inseparable. Christological Significance Matthew 12:12 employs ὥστε in Christ’s argument for Sabbath mercy: “How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” By the conjunction, Jesus reveals Himself as authoritative interpreter of Torah and defender of human dignity. In Mark 2:28 the chain terminates in His identity: “so that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Soteriological Implications Paul uses ὥστε to unfold the saving work of Christ. “You also died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another” (Romans 7:4). The redemptive act (death with Christ) leads inexorably to new covenant union. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 the term crowns a sweeping gospel summary: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” The believer’s transformation is not abstract; it is the necessary outcome of union with the risen Lord. Ethical and Pastoral Exhortation In hortatory passages ὥστε moves from doctrine to duty. “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Right eschatology produces mutual comfort. Likewise Hebrews 13:6 draws confidence from divine promise: “So we say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’” The moral imperatives of Scripture are never detached from theological indicatives; ὥστε is the bridge. Missional and Ecclesial Dimensions The early church’s expansion is repeatedly described with ὥστε. Paul taught in Ephesus “so that all the residents of Asia … heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Even imprisonment advanced the gospel, “so that it has become known throughout the whole palace guard … that my chains are in Christ” (Philippians 1:13). The conjunction reminds believers that God turns circumstances into mission platforms. Historical Usage in Early Church Teaching Patristic homilies mirror the apostolic pattern, moving from text to practical application with ὥστε-like transitions in Greek sermons. This maintained the apostolic model of Scripture-grounded exhortation. Implications for Expository Preaching and Teaching Noting each ὥστε in a passage alerts the expositor to turning points where theology births response. Highlighting these points helps congregations grasp both reassurance (Romans 8:1 lacks the word yet functions similarly) and responsibility (1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall”). Summary Wherever ὥστε appears, Scripture is marrying premise to consequence. Whether recording miracles, revealing Christ, expounding salvation, or urging holy living, the conjunction insists that God’s truth is never inert; it always produces an effect. Readers who trace these connections will see more clearly the coherence of revelation and its claim upon faith and practice. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:24 ConjGRK: τῇ θαλάσσῃ ὥστε τὸ πλοῖον NAS: on the sea, so that the boat KJV: the sea, insomuch that the ship INT: the sea so that the boat Matthew 8:28 Conj Matthew 10:1 Conj Matthew 12:12 Conj Matthew 12:22 Conj Matthew 13:2 Conj Matthew 13:32 Conj Matthew 13:54 Conj Matthew 15:31 Conj Matthew 15:33 Conj Matthew 19:6 Conj Matthew 23:31 Conj Matthew 24:24 Conj Matthew 27:1 Conj Matthew 27:14 Conj Mark 1:27 Conj Mark 1:45 Conj Mark 2:2 Conj Mark 2:12 Conj Mark 2:28 Conj Mark 3:10 Conj Mark 3:20 Conj Mark 4:1 Conj Mark 4:32 Conj Mark 4:37 Conj |
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