εἴγε
eíge
G1489
SILEX Entry
Definition
A particle introducing a conditional clause, often with the sense 'if indeed,' 'assuming that,' or 'provided that.' Used to express the supposition or assumption of something as true, sometimes to intensify the condition or to indicate the speaker's confidence in the statement that follows. In some contexts, may emphasize the real likelihood of the condition being met, or signal a rhetorical expectation.
Semantic Range
if indeed, assuming that, provided that, if so be that, seeing that, (with negative) otherwise
Root / Etymology
Composed of the conditional particle εἰ ('if') and the enclitic particle γέ ('at least, indeed'). The combination strengthens the conditional force and suggests emphasis or concessive nuance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, εἴγε is used to introduce a clause whose fulfillment is assumed, probable, or rhetorically expected, often with a hint of emphasis or confirmation. It occurs infrequently outside of literary and philosophical Greek, but appears in philosophical writers (e.g., Aristotle, Plato) and more rarely in general prose. In the New Testament, εἴγε typically appears to introduce a statement that is regarded as factually established or assumed for the sake of argument (e.g. Eph 3:2; Col 1:23; 2 Cor 5:3). English translations often render it as 'if indeed', 'provided that', or 'assuming that', but can sometimes obscure the forceful confirmation or rhetorical emphasis the particle can carry. In some contexts, εἴγε anticipates a positive answer or affirms the validity of what follows. This particle is not equivalent to a simple 'if' (εἰ), but adds nuance of emphasis, assurance, or rhetorical assertion. The combination is characteristic of emphasis, somewhat rare in biblical Greek, and can be contrasted with εἰ alone (simple condition) or ἐάν (more open condition).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἰ and γέ; if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise:--if (so be that, yet).
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.