εἰ καί
ei kaí
G1499
SILEX Entry
Definition
A conjunctional phrase introducing a hypothetical or conditional clause, often emphasizing the unexpected or emphatic nature of a supposition. Used to mean 'even if,' 'if indeed,' or 'although,' typically marking concessive or alternative scenarios or conditions. It functions to intensify a protasis (the 'if' clause) in conditional sentences, frequently with a nuance of surprise, contingency, or contrast.
Semantic Range
even if, if also, if indeed, though, although, in case also, if even
Root / Etymology
Compound of the conditional particle εἰ ('if') and the copulative/adversative particle καί ('and', 'also', 'even'). Functions as a set phrase rather than a compound word; construction is idiomatic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in classical Greek, εἰ καί retains its force in Hellenistic and Koine usage to introduce clauses which present a real or hypothetical situation, often with a concessive nuance (e.g., 'even if', 'although'). In Koine Greek, including the New Testament and the Septuagint, it typically marks a stronger or more emphatic conditional or concessive clause than εἰ alone. English translations sometimes render it as 'though', 'if indeed', or 'even if', but this can understate the emphatic or adversative particle's impact. It should be distinguished from related constructions such as καὶ εἰ ('even if', 'although'), which can carry subtle differences in emphasis or word order, although the distinction is at times fluid in Koine Greek. The construction is not specific to biblical or religious contexts but is a common feature of Greek conditional syntax; caution should be exercised in assuming it always marks purely hypothetical scenarios, as it may also be used for genuine, realized conditions in rhetorical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἰ and καί; if also (or even):--if (that), though.
Root Family
εἰ- καί- (ei kaí) — if, also/even/and
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.