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οὐκοῦν

oukoûn

G3766 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

A particle combining the force of denial or negation (οὐ) with inference or conclusion (οὖν), used chiefly to introduce an inference or consequence with an interrogative nuance (is it not then...?); more generally, to draw attention to an inferential conclusion or to confirm what has been stated ('so then,' 'accordingly,' 'therefore,' often with an emphatic or confirmatory force).

Semantic Range

therefore, so then, accordingly, is it not then?, thus, hence (as an inference or conclusion, esp. in rhetorical questions)

Root / Etymology

Compound of οὐ (not) and οὖν (then, therefore), forming an inferential conjunction particularly suited for emphatic or interrogative inferences.

Historical & Contextual Notes

οὐκοῦν is a relatively rare particle in the New Testament (e.g., John 18:37; Acts 8:30), but it is attested in classical and Hellenistic Greek as well. In classical usage, it typically introduces a question that expects an affirmative answer, inviting the hearer/reader to draw a logical conclusion. In the Hellenistic period and especially the New Testament, it retains this rhetorical force, marking the logical result of a preceding statement or reasoning, sometimes with an implicit expectation that the hearer will agree. It does not differ greatly in function from οὖν but adds intensity or emphasis, especially in rhetorical questions. In standard English Bibles, it is often simply rendered 'then,' 'so,' or 'therefore,' which may lose the nuance of logical affirmation or rhetorical engagement. Compared to οὖν (so, therefore), οὐκοῦν stresses the process of reaching an obvious or logical conclusion, sometimes with an interrogative or confirmatory flavor.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from οὐ and οὖν; is it not therefore that, i.e. (affirmatively) hence or so:--then.

Root Family

οὐκοῦν (oukoûn) — deny, infer, conclude

Root οὐκ- + οὖν- to deny, to infer, to conclude

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3766-01 οὐκοῦν oukoun ADV so is it not then? is it not then? 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3766-01 John 18:37 οὐκοῦν oukoun ADV so is it not then? is it not then?
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