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τέ

té

G5037 coordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root τέ to add, to join, to connect

Definition

An enclitic particle used to connect words, phrases, or clauses, often indicating addition, continuation, or coordination. Its primary meaning is to express 'also', 'and', or 'both', functioning to link two (or more) parallel elements in a sentence. Frequently, τέ is used in correlative construction (τέ...καί), giving a sense of 'both...and'. Less commonly, it can highlight a secondary or explanatory element, or indicate sequential or alternative facets ('even', 'then', 'whether'). Although weak in emphasis, it serves a vital role in Koine syntax for smoothing transitions or connecting ideas.

Semantic Range

also, and, both, even, then, whether; as a correlative (τέ...καί): both...and; weak connective or additive particle; sometimes explanatory or sequential

Root / Etymology

Root/stem τέ. A primary enclitic particle; its origin prior to Classical Greek is unclear, but it has cognates in Indo-European languages with connective or additive functions (compare Latin -que).

Historical & Contextual Notes

The use of τέ as a connective particle is ancient and well-attested from Homeric Greek onward. In Classical Greek, it often appears in correlative pairs (τέ...καί), uniting two connected elements ('both...and') or emphasizing their joint relevance. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, τέ continues to function as an unaccented, less forceful alternative to καί ('and'), sometimes serving to make connections less emphatic or urgent than καί would. Its placement is typically after the word it modifies (enclitic position), often following the first element in a pair, with the second connected by καί (τέ...καί) or another conjunction. Standard English translations often obscure the subtlety of τέ, rendering it as 'also', 'both', or simply omitting it when context allows. In compositional compounds, τέ can join with other particles, extending its connective function. Compared to καί (which is more commonly used in Koine), τέ is slightly more literary and less frequently used in general discourse.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of καί):--also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.

Root Family

ὁ (ho) — to designate as definite, to specify, to identify

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1510 εἰμί the
G3588 ὁ the
G3739 ὅς the
G5598 Ω the
G5599 ὦ the

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5037-01 τε te PART and to the 210

Occurrences in Scripture

210 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5037-01 Matthew 22:10 τε te PART to the
G5037-01 Matthew 27:48 τε te CONJ to the
G5037-01 Matthew 28:12 τε te CONJ to the
G5037-01 Luke 2:16 τε te PART both to the
G5037-01 Luke 12:45 τε te-2 PART and to the
G5037-01 Luke 15:2 τε te PART both to the
G5037-01 Luke 21:11 τε te PART and to the
G5037-01 Luke 21:11 τε te-2 CONJ and to the
G5037-01 Luke 22:66 τε te PART and to the
G5037-01 Luke 23:12 τε te PART both to the
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