πάλιν
pálin
G3825 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
As an adverb, πάλιν primarily means 'again'—denoting repetition or return to a previous state or action. It extends to mean 'anew,' 'once more,' or indicates a reversal or response. In discourse, it can introduce an additional statement or contrast ('furthermore,' 'on the other hand'). The semantic scope covers both temporal repetition and logical progression or contrast in argumentation.
Semantic Range
again, once more, anew, back (to a prior place or condition), furthermore, on the other hand, in return
Root / Etymology
Related to the Greek root πάλ- (as in πάλη, 'struggle'), but the precise derivation of πάλιν is uncertain. It functions as an adverb independent of a clear verbal or nominal root in standard Greek etymologies. Etymology uncertain beyond possible association with the idea of motion (return/repetition).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πάλιν is well attested as an adverb indicating repetition, return to a prior condition, or a renewed action. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, as in the Septuagint and New Testament, it retains its adverbial function but also frequently marks logical transitions—introducing a new clause or amplifying a point. The sense of 'again' may denote repetition (e.g., Jesus teaching again) or return (e.g., going back to a location). In certain rhetorical contexts, especially in dialogue or argumentation, πάλιν can mean 'furthermore' or serve to highlight a shift or contrast ('on the other hand'). In translation, rendering as 'again' usually suffices, but some instances require 'back,' 'once more,' or discourse connectors like 'furthermore,' depending on context. The range in English is sometimes broader or narrower than the Greek, requiring contextual sensitivity. πάλιν should not be confused with αὖ (another adverb of repetition), which often signals a new point or continued sequence rather than simple repetition. No substantive change in core meaning is detected between LXX and NT usage, but frequency in logical/contrastive functions is somewhat higher in rhetorical Greek texts.
Translation Consistency
πάλιν is overwhelmingly and most naturally rendered as “again” in English, covering repetition, return, renewal (anew), and contrastive uses (furthermore/on the other hand) in ordinary discourse. Using “again” ensures consistent, natural-sounding translation across all occurrences and aligns with the SILEX primary sense and attested usage frequency.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the same as πάλη (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand:--again.
Root Family
πάλιν (palin) — again, once more, anew, back (to a prior state)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3825-01 |
πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again | 141 |
Occurrences in Scripture
141 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3825-01 |
Matthew 4:7 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 4:8 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
Again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 5:33 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 13:45 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
Again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 13:47 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
Again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 18:19 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
Again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 19:24 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 20:5 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 21:36 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |
G3825-01 |
Matthew 22:1 | πάλιν | palin | ADV |
again | again | again |