Lexical Summary ara: then, therefore, so, consequently Original Word: ἄρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance therefore. A form of ara, denoting an interrogation to which a negative answer is presumed -- therefore. see GREEK ara HELPS Word-studies 687 ára – whether. This difficult-to-translate interrogative particle (adverb) injects the element of surprise and the pressing need to respond. Depending on the context, 687 (ára) will emphasize the aspect of hesitation, bewilderment, etc. (J. B. Lightfoot). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ara Definition an untranslatable interrog. particle implying anxiety or impatience. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 687: ἄρα (2)ἄρα (2), an interrogative particle (implying anxiety or impatience on the part of the questioner. Liddell and Scott, under the word) (of the same root as the preceding ἄρα, and only differing from it in that more vocal stress is laid upon the first syllable, which is therefore circumflexed); 1.numigitur, i. e. marking an inferential question to which a negative answer is expected: Luke 18:8; with γέ rendering it more pointed, ἄρα γέ (GT ἄραγε): Acts 8:30; (ἄρα οὖν ... διώκομεν Lachmann edition min. also major marginal reading are we then pursuing etc. Romans 14:19). 2. ergone i. e. a question to which an affirmative answer is expected, in an interrogative apodosis (German soistalsowohl?), he is then? Galatians 2:17 (where others (e. g. Lachmann) write ἄρα, so that this example is referred to those mentioned under ἄρα, 3, and is rendered Christ is then a minister of sin; but μή γένοιτο, which follows, is everywhere by Paul opposed to a question). Cf. Winers Grammar, 510f (475f) (also Buttmann, 247 (213), 371 (318); Herm. ad Vig., p. 820ff; Klotz ad Devar. ii., p. 180ff; speaking somewhat loosely, it may be said "ἄρα expresses bewilderment as to a possible conclusion ... ἄρα hesitates, while ἄρα concludes." Lightfoot on Galatians, the passage cited). Strong’s Greek 687 designates a small but rhetorically weighty particle that signals conclusion, inference, or contingency. Though it never carries doctrinal content by itself, it serves as a hinge in the flow of thought, prompting the reader to draw a logical link or to sense an unresolved question. Eighteen appearances in the New Testament cluster around three arenas—Gospel narrative, apostolic history, and Pauline reasoning—each illustrating how the Spirit-inspired authors guided their audiences toward reflection or decision. Semantic Function in Koine Narrative 1. Logical inference: introducing what follows naturally from what precedes (Matthew 24:45; 2 Corinthians 1:17). Usage in Interrogative Contexts More than half the occurrences stand inside direct questions. The word lets the speaker invite a verdict from the listener: These instances underline Scripture’s habit of leading the reader to truth by first exposing a flawed or incomplete human premise. Conveying Logical Inference In narrative or didactic settings the particle marks the step from premise to conclusion: As a Marker of Uncertainty or Possibility Luke employs the particle for contingency: Occurrence in the Synoptic Gospels Matthew and Luke especially place the word on the disciples’ lips, mirroring their gradual awakening: – Repeated “Who then is this?” (Matthew 8:27 implied, Mark 4:41, Luke 8:25) accents the growing realization of Jesus’ authority over creation. – Questions around greatness, reward, and readiness (Matthew 18:1; 19:27; Luke 12:42) challenge assumptions about kingdom values. By linking amazement or self-examination to each new revelation, the particle underscores progressive discipleship. Acts and the Expansion of the Church Luke’s second volume shows the word functioning in investigation, surprise, or responsible speculation: Pauline Reflection Paul’s two uses (2 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 2:17) model rigorous theological reasoning. He frames potential objections with the particle, only to negate them and establish gospel certainty. This method teaches believers to anticipate false conclusions and to answer them within the framework of revealed truth. Theological Implications 1. Human logic must bow to divine revelation. The word spotlights moments when natural reasoning falters and grace intervenes (Matthew 19:25-26). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Preaching: Use the particle’s question-answer rhythm to guide listeners from dilemma to gospel solution. Historical Notes on Translation English versions render the particle variously—“then,” “therefore,” “perhaps,” “so,” or leave it implicit. The often retains “then” to preserve the inferential pulse, aiding modern readers in tracing the inspired argument. Key Points for Teaching and Preaching • Small words can signal big turns in thought; attentive reading uncovers Spirit-guided logic. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:1 ConjGRK: λέγοντες Τίς ἄρα μείζων ἐστὶν INT: saying Who then [the] greatest is Matthew 19:25 Conj Matthew 19:27 Conj Matthew 24:45 Conj Mark 4:41 Conj Mark 11:13 Conj Luke 1:66 Conj Luke 8:25 Conj Luke 12:42 Conj Luke 18:8 Conj Luke 22:23 Conj Acts 8:22 Conj Acts 8:30 Conj Acts 12:18 Conj Acts 17:27 Conj Acts 21:38 Conj 2 Corinthians 1:17 Conj Galatians 2:17 Conj |
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