ἱνατί
hinatí
G2444
SILEX Entry
Definition
Interrogative adverb expressing the inquiry into the reason or cause of something; primarily, 'why?' or 'for what reason?'. Depending on the context, it can introduce questions about motivation, explanation, purpose, or causality.
Semantic Range
why, for what reason, on what account, wherefore, inquiry into cause or motivation
Root / Etymology
Composed of the conjunction ἵνα ('in order that, so that') and the interrogative pronoun τί ('what?'), forming an adverbial compound used to inquire about purpose or cause. The form reflects a blending typical of Koine Greek interrogative formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἱνατί is primarily used in direct and indirect questions to seek the justification, reason, or purpose for an action or state, both in classical and post-classical Greek. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently translates Hebrew לָמָה (lamah) or מַדּוּעַ (maddua‘), interrogatives often seen in the Psalms and Prophetic texts (e.g., 'Why, O LORD?'). Its usage in the New Testament continues this function, especially in dialogues or rhetorical questions about divine action or human behavior. English translations generally render it as 'why?' or 'wherefore?', but 'wherefore' is archaic and does not capture the immediate, inquisitive sense the term usually carries. It is not typically used to ask about purpose in the sense of anticipated outcome (like ἵνα), but rather about the cause or motivation for something that is or has taken place. It does not carry the theological or philosophical connotations that 'why' might sometimes have in English, but is a straightforward question word. No significant distinction in function is observed between LXX, NT, and other Koine Greek sources; the question structure remains consistent from Classical through Koine periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἵνα and τίς; for what reason ?, i.e. why?:--wherefore, why.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.