← G1221 G1223 →

δήπου

dḗpou

G1222 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

An enclitic particle expressing a degree of confident supposition, generally translated as 'surely,' 'certainly,' or 'doubtless.' Used to make a statement more assertive by implying that, given the circumstances, the assertion is likely or obvious. Also used to strengthen rhetorical questions or presumed truths that expect agreement from the listener.

Semantic Range

surely, doubtless, certainly, I suppose, no doubt, likely

Root / Etymology

Formed from δή (a particle giving emphasis or certainty) and πού (an enclitic adverb meaning 'somewhere' or, in this case, softening the assertion to mean 'I suppose,' 'probably'). Thus, δήπου unites an emphatic and a suggestive element, making the assertion strong yet not absolute.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δήπου is found in Plato, Aristophanes, and others, regularly to indicate a conclusion that seems self-evident or expected in the rhetorical flow ('surely,' 'I assume,' 'no doubt'). It invites the audience to agree with the speaker’s inference rather than directly assert a fact. In Koine and New Testament Greek, δήπου appears infrequently but maintains this force, coloring statements or questions with an air of confident supposition without the absolute certainty of δή alone. English translations often flatten its nuance to 'indeed' or 'verily,' which can misrepresent its interrogative or tentative aspect. Its role is less about solemn declaration than about shared inference or probable agreement.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δή and πού; a particle of asseveration; indeed doubtless:--verily.

Root Family

δήπου (dēpou) — surely, doubtless, certainly, confident supposition

Root δή, που emphasize certainty, suggest likelihood, imply agreement

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1222-01 δήπου depou ADV assuredly surely, no doubt surely 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1222-01 Hebrews 2:16 δήπου depou ADV assuredly surely, no doubt surely
← G1221 Greek Lexicon G1223 →