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δή

dḗ

G1211 particle

SILEX Entry

Definition

A postpositive particle used to add emphasis, to specify, or to highlight a statement; it can serve to affirm, clarify, or stress a preceding assertion or transition to a result or conclusion. Commonly functions to mark something as certain or self-evident, emphasizing the following or preceding clause. Semantic range includes: indeed, truly, certainly, now then, in fact.

Semantic Range

indeed, truly, certainly, now then, in fact, therefore, doubtless, explicitness, emphasis

Root / Etymology

The particle δή is likely a primary particle of emphasis in Greek, possibly related in function (but not form) to δέ (which is coordinative or adversative, 'but', 'and'). Its exact etymology is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δή is a well-attested particle emphasizing a word, phrase, or clause, sometimes approximating 'indeed', 'truly', or 'certainly'. It is postpositive (not standing first in a clause), often combined with another particle (such as νῦν δή, ναι δή). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, its occurrence is less frequent but maintains its emphatic or clarifying function. Usage in biblical texts may not always have a direct English equivalent; sometimes omitted or translated with words like 'now', 'then', or 'indeed'. Whereas δέ introduces a new element or nuance, δή asserts or highlights the clarity or obviousness of what is stated. English translations often underrepresent the explicitness or emphasis carried by δή in Greek discourse.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to δέ; a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc.:--also, and, doubtless, now, therefore.

Root Family

δέ (de) — transition, slight contrast, continuation, discourse shift

Root δή- to emphasize, to affirm, to specify
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1161 δέ now

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1211-01 δὴ de T now now indeed 5

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1211-01 Matthew 13:23 δὴ de-2 T indeed now indeed
G1211-01 Luke 2:15 δὴ de T now now now
G1211-01 Acts 13:2 δή de-2 T now now now
G1211-01 Acts 15:36 δὴ de-2 T now now indeed
G1211-01 1 Corinthians 6:20 δὴ de T therefore now therefore
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