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οὖν

oûn

G3767 coordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root οὖν to lead to a conclusion, to mark consequence, to indicate logical connection, to sequence ideas

Definition

Primary meaning: accordingly, therefore, then, so—serving as an inferential or emphatic particle to indicate consequence, logical connection, or summation in discourse. οὖν typically signals a conclusion, inference, or transition based on preceding information. Its senses include drawing logical conclusions ('therefore'), marking sequenced actions ('then'), emphasizing what follows ('so'), or occasionally serving as a mild intensifier ('indeed,' 'now then').

Semantic Range

therefore, then, so, accordingly, consequently, as a result, now then, wherefore, truly

Root / Etymology

Root/Etymology: The word οὖν is an adverbial and conjunctive particle of uncertain precise etymology, though it is believed to be of Proto-Indo-European origin, possibly connected to expressions of sequence or consequence. It is not formally derived from any other Greek word and is considered a primary particle.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Historical & Contextual Notes: οὖν appears frequently in classical Greek literature and maintains its usage through the Hellenistic, Second Temple, and New Testament periods. It is a discourse marker, especially common in narrative and argumentative passages. In the Septuagint and New Testament Greek, it is used to indicate inference, logical consequence, or rhetorical summing-up, helping guide listeners or readers through the structure of the argument or story. Compared to other particles like δέ ('but/and'), which introduces contrast or continuation, and γάρ ('for'), which gives reason, οὖν specifically marks the outcome or result of prior statements. Standard English translations often render it as 'therefore,' 'then,' or 'so,' but these may not fully capture its nuanced role as a marker of logical or rhetorical progression. Particularly in the discourse structure of the New Testament, οὖν is important for signaling argumentative development or conclusions. In translation, it can sometimes be omitted without loss of essential meaning, but its presence in Greek often clarifies the flow of reasoning or the linkage of narrative elements. It functions similarly in classical sources and can be found in authors such as Plato, Xenophon, and Aristotle, as well as in contemporary Koine writers.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.

Root Family

οὖν (oun) — therefore, then, so, accordingly, consequently, inferential connector

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3767-01 οὖν oun CONJ therefore therefore 493

Occurrences in Scripture

493 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3767-01 Matthew 1:17 οὖν oun CONJ therefore therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 3:8 οὖν oun CONJ therefore therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 3:10 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 5:19 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 5:23 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 5:48 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 6:2 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 6:8 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 6:9 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
G3767-01 Matthew 6:22 οὖν oun CONJ therefore
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