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δήποτε

dḗpote

G1221 particle

SILEX Entry

Definition

An intensive indefinite particle that emphasizes generality or possibility; used to strengthen the sense of 'ever,' 'at all,' or 'in any case.' It indicates that the statement applies without limitation or exception, often stressing the scope or inclusiveness of what is being expressed.

Semantic Range

at any time, ever, whatsoever, in any case, however it may be, whatever, whenever

Root / Etymology

Formed from δή (an emphatic particle) and ποτε (an indefinite temporal particle meaning 'ever' or 'at any time'), combining the sense of strong assertion with temporal or indefinite openness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

δήποτε is rare in classical Greek but appears in Koine Greek (including the New Testament, e.g., John 9:25) to underline an indefinite or generalizable situation—'however it may be,' 'at whatever time,' or 'in any case/whatever.' The term is typically used for emphasis, often to intensify a preceding pronoun or interrogative (e.g., ὅστις δήποτε, 'whoever at all'). While English translations usually render it as 'whatsoever,' 'whenever,' or 'ever,' these can obscure its function of stressing the indefiniteness and inclusiveness of a statement. The combination with interrogatives or relatives is especially common in Koine, where it serves to universalize conditional clauses or assertions. δήποτε fades from usage in later Greek as the language's particles simplify.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δή and ποτέ; a particle of generalization; indeed, at any time:--(what-)soever.

Root Family

δήποτε (dēpote) — indeed, at any time, ever, at all

Root δή-ποτ- indeed, at any time, ever, at all

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1221-01 δήποτʼ depot PART disease ever at all ever at all 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1221-01 John 5:4 δήποτʼ depot PART disease ever at all ever at all
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