Lexical Summary ara: then, so then, so Original Word: ἄρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance no doubt, perhaps, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Probably from airo (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) -- haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Often used in connection with other particles, especially ge or oun (after) or ei (before). Compare also ara. see GREEK airo see GREEK ge see GREEK oun see GREEK ei see GREEK ara HELPS Word-studies 686 ára (probably akin to arō, "to join, be fitting," see J. Thayer, Curtius) – an inferential particle meaning "it follows that . . . ". [J. Thayer, "686 (ára) intimates that 'under these circumstances, something either is so, or becomes so' " (so also Klotz, 167).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. particle Definition therefore (an illative particle) NASB Translation fact (1), perhaps (2), possible (1), so (4), so then (12), then (22), therefore (3), well then (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 686: ἄρα (1)ἄρα (1), an illative particle (akin, as it seems, to the verbal root ἈΡΩ to join, to be fitted (cf. Curtius, § 488; Vanicek, p. 47)), whose use among native Greeks is illustrated fully by Kühner, ii., §§ 509, 545; (Jelf, §§ 787-789), and Klotz ad Devar. ii., pp. 160-180, among others; (for a statement of diverse views see Bäumlein, Griech. Partikeln, p. 19f). It intimates that, under these circumstances something either is so or becomes so (Klotz, the passage cited, p. 167): Latinigitur, consequently (differing from οὖν in 'denoting a subjective impression rather than a positive conclusion.' Liddell and Scott (see 5 below)). In the N. T. it is used frequently by Paul, but in the writings of John and in the so-called Catholic Epistles it does not occur. On its use in the N. T. cf. Winer's Grammar, §§ 53, 8 a. and 61, 6. It is found: 1. subjoined to another word: Romans 7:21; Romans 8:1; Galatians 3:7; ἐπεί ἄρα since, if it were otherwise, 1 Corinthians 7:14; ( 2. By a use doubtful in Greek writings (cf. Buttmann, 371 (318); (Winers Grammar, 558 (519))) it is placed at the beginning of a sentence; and so, so then, accordingly, equivalent to ὥστε with a finite verb: ἄρα μαρτυρεῖτε (μάρτυρες ἐστε T Tr WH), Luke 11:48 (Matthew 23:31 ὥστε μαρτυρεῖτε); Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:18; 2 Corinthians 5:14 (15) (in L T Tr WH no conditional protasis preceding); 2 Corinthians 7:12; Galatians 4:31 (L T Tr WH διό); Hebrews 4:9. 3. in an apodosis, after a protasis with εἰ, in order to bring out what follows as a matter of course (German soistja the obvious inference is): Luke 11:20; Matthew 12:28; 2 Corinthians 5:14(15) (R G, a protasis with εἰ preceding); Galatians 2:21; Galatians 3:29; Galatians 5:11; Hebrews 12:8; joined to another word, 1 Corinthians 15:14. 4. with γέ, rendering it more pointed, ἄραγε (L Tr uniformly ἄρα γέ; so R WH in Acts 17:27; cf. Winers Grammar, p. 45; Lipsius Gram. Untersuch., p. 123), surely then, so then (Latinitaqueergo): Matthew 7:20; Matthew 17:26; Acts 11:18 (L T Tr WH omit γέ); and subjoined to a word, Acts 17:27 (Winer's Grammar, 299 (281)). 5. ἄρα οὖν, a combination peculiar to Paul, at the beginning of a sentence (Winers Grammar, 445 (414); Buttmann, 371 (318) ("ἄραadinternampotiuscaussamspectat, οὖνmagisadexternam." Klotz ad Devar. ii., p. 717; ἄρα is the more logical, οὖν the more formal connective; "ἄρα is illative, οὖν continuative," Winers, the passage cited; cf. also Kühner, § 545, 3)) (R. V.) so then (Latinhincigitur): Romans 5:18; Romans 7:3, 25; Romans 8:12; Romans 9:16, 18; Romans 14:12 (L Tr omit WH brackets οὖν); 19 (L marginal reading ἄρα); Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:15. STRONGS NT 686: ἄραγε [ἄραγε, see ἄρα, 4.] Ἄρα and its fuller form ἄραγε function as markers of logical consequence or unavoidable implication. When the biblical writers arrive at a conclusion that necessarily flows from preceding revelation or argument, this small particle flags the “therefore” moment, inviting hearers to agree that God’s word demands the stated result. It is never a casual connective; it seals the logic of faith, ethics, or redemptive history. Occurrences in the Ministry of Jesus Matthew 7:20 records the Lord’s warning, “So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.” The particle underscores that discernment is not optional but the unavoidable inference from the principle He has just given about trees and fruit. In Matthew 12:28 and Luke 11:20 Jesus drives home the kingdom’s present arrival: “But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The adverb presses the crowd to face the inescapable implication of His miracles. In Matthew 17:26 (“Then the sons are exempt”) He employs ἄραγε to reason with Peter about the temple tax, moving from analogy to conclusion. Luke–Acts: Salvation History Unfolding Luke 11:48 (“So then, you testify that you approve of the deeds of your fathers”) shows prophetic indictment. Acts 11:18 is pivotal for the Gentile mission: “So then, even to the Gentiles God has granted repentance unto life.” Here ἄρα turns Peter’s report into an irreversible theological verdict that reshapes church history. Pauline Theology: From Justification to Ethical Obligation Romans is saturated with the particle, framing Paul’s step-by-step gospel logic. Romans 5:18 gathers the argument of Adam and Christ into one conclusive sentence. Romans 8:1 heralds liberty: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In Romans 8:12 the apostle moves from status to duty: “Therefore, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh.” Romans 9:16 and 9:18 highlight divine sovereignty; 10:17 declares the faith-sourcing power of proclamation: “So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 14 twice uses ἄρα to impress personal accountability (14:12) and communal edification (14:19). 1 Corinthians employs the word in evangelistic holiness (5:10), marital sanctification (7:14), and resurrection logic (15:14-18). “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith… Then they also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” The particle ties the entire Christian hope to the historical resurrection. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul argues, “For the love of Christ compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all; therefore all died.” Here ἄρα seals missionary motivation. Galatians uses it to defend grace (2:21), identify true sons of Abraham (3:7, 29), expose the offense of the cross (5:11), and call for practical benevolence (6:10). Ephesians 2:19 celebrates corporate identity: “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” Pastoral and Eschatological Emphasis 1 Thessalonians 5:6 applies watchfulness; 2 Thessalonians 2:15 commands steadfastness. Hebrews 4:9 draws its famous Sabbath-rest conclusion: “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,” while Hebrews 12:8 confronts readers with the proof of divine sonship through discipline. Rhetorical Nuance of ἄραγε The longer form often carries a shade of tentativeness or reflective musing, as in Matthew 17:26. Yet even here the end result is firm once the reasoning is accepted. Its presence can soften the tone while maintaining the force of logic. Historical Reception Patristic writers noticed that wherever ἄρα appears, the inspired author has reached “the knot of the matter” (Chrysostom on Romans 8:1). Reformation expositors likewise rested doctrinal formulations on these pivotal verses, seeing ἄρα as a Spirit-guided signal that the preceding theology necessitates the ensuing affirmation. Contemporary Ministry Application Preachers and teachers should watch for ἄρα in their exegesis, for it highlights sermonic hinge points: gospel indicatives birthing imperatives, doctrines flowering into doxology, narratives culminating in mission. Whenever Scripture says “so then,” the modern church must echo, “Amen, and therefore we will believe and obey.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 7:20 PrtclGRK: ἄρα¦γε ἀπὸ τῶν NAS: So then, you will know KJV: Wherefore by their INT: Then surely by the Matthew 12:28 Prtcl Matthew 17:26 Prtcl Luke 11:20 Prtcl Luke 11:48 Prtcl Acts 11:18 Prtcl Romans 5:18 Prtcl Romans 7:3 Prtcl Romans 7:21 Prtcl Romans 7:25 Prtcl Romans 8:1 Prtcl Romans 8:12 Prtcl Romans 9:16 Prtcl Romans 9:18 Prtcl Romans 10:17 Prtcl Romans 14:12 Prtcl Romans 14:19 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 5:10 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 7:14 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 15:14 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 15:15 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 15:18 Prtcl 2 Corinthians 5:14 Prtcl 2 Corinthians 7:12 Prtcl Galatians 2:21 Prtcl Strong's Greek 686 |
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