εἰ

ei

G1487 subordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root εἰ- to introduce a condition, to raise a possibility, to indicate doubt

Definition

A primary particle marking the protasis (the 'if'-clause) of a conditional sentence; introduces real conditions, hypothetical situations, or indirect questions. Primarily means 'if' in a wide variety of circumstances, but can also signal doubt, indirect inquiry ('whether'), or concessive sense ('even if', 'although') depending on construction.

Semantic Range

if (real or factual condition), whether (indirect question), although/even if (concessive sense), introducing hypothetical or counterfactual situations, forasmuch as, that (rare, archaic)

Root / Etymology

Indo-European origin, underlying root uncertain. Cognate with Latin 'si' ('if'). Not derived from another Greek word, but a core particle of condition in the language.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical and Koine Greek, εἰ typically introduces conditions of fact or reality (so-called 'simple' conditions, often with an indicative verb in the protasis). Used in compound forms (εἴγε, εἰ καί, εἴπερ, etc.) to intensify or nuance the type of condition expressed. In indirect questions and clauses expressing uncertainty, εἰ often means 'whether.' Contrasts with ἐάν (ean, G1437), which introduces more potential or future-oriented conditions (general or indefinite conditions, often with the subjunctive). In the Septuagint and NT, εἰ is frequent in narrative, reported speech, parables, and legal reasoning. English translations often supply 'if', but context determines whether 'if', 'whether', or another concessive/conditional expression is best. Standard translations may not always reflect subtle differences from ἐάν; εἰ generally marks 'real' or 'assumed' conditions as opposed to 'possible' or 'future' conditions. Usage did not shift dramatically from classical to Hellenistic periods, though the range of idiomatic compounds expanded.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μή(γε), εἰ καί, εἰ μή, εἰ μή τι, εἴ περ, εἴ πως, εἴ τις, ἐκ. See also ἐάν.

Root Family

εἰ (ei) — if, whether, conditionality, possibility, doubt

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1487-01 εἰ ei CONJ.S if if 504
G1487-02 εἴπερ eiper CONJ.S if indeed if indeed 6

Occurrences in Scripture

510 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1487-01 Matthew 4:3 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 4:6 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 5:13 εἰ ei PREP if
G1487-01 Matthew 5:29 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 5:30 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 6:1 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 6:23 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 6:30 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 7:11 εἰ ei CONJ.S if
G1487-01 Matthew 8:31 εἰ ei CONJ.S if