τοί
toí
G5104
SILEX Entry
Definition
An enclitic particle conveying emphasis, affirmation, or mild asseveration; often used to strengthen the force of a statement, particularly in the context of contrast or reply. It typically functions to draw attention or grant assurance to what is being stated, sometimes equivalent to 'indeed,' 'for sure,' or 'truly.' In Koine Greek, it occurs almost exclusively in fixed particle compounds (e.g., καίτοιγε 'and yet indeed', μέντοι 'nevertheless', τοίνυν 'therefore', etc.), and is not commonly used in isolation.
Semantic Range
affirmation, asseveration, mild emphasis, concessive particle (in compounds), marker of contrast or emphasis (in compounds such as καίτοιγε, μέντοι, τοίνυν, etc.)
Root / Etymology
Probably a development from the dative singular of the article ὁ, though its exact historical derivation is debated and may originate in earlier Greek enclitic particles. Its semantic use became fixed early on.
Historical & Contextual Notes
τοί is very rare in isolation in Koine and classical Greek, functioning almost exclusively as a component of compound particles in later periods. In Homeric and other early Greek, τοί could appear alone with strengthening or emphatic force; however, by the New Testament and LXX periods, standalone use is virtually unknown. Instead, it appears in combinations such as καίτοιγε, μέντοι, τοίνυν, all of which serve various contrastive or affirmative functions. English translations rarely preserve τοί independently but may reflect its emphatic effect in rendering these compound particles. Its semantic force often lies on a continuum from mild affirmation ('indeed', 'for sure') to introducing a concession or contrast ('and yet'), depending on the compound with which it appears. In later Greek literature, the particle's independent use was largely lost, with meaning preserved only in formulaic compounds.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably for the dative case of ὁ; an enclitic particle of asseveration by way of contrast; in sooth:--(used only with other particles in the comparative, as καίτοιγε, μέντοι, τοιγαροῦν, τοίνυν, etc.)
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.