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τότε

tóte

G5119 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Adverb indicating a specific point or period within a temporal sequence; primarily meaning 'then' in the sense of 'at that time,' whether past, present, or future. Used to mark a particular occasion, event, or consequence in narrative or logical progression. Its chief function is as a temporal marker anchoring statements or actions to a contextualized moment previously indicated or immediately ensuing.

Semantic Range

then, at that time, at that moment, thereafter, in that event, at that occasion, subsequently

Root / Etymology

Compound of the article τό (neuter of ὁ, ἡ, τό, 'the') and the adverb ὅτε ('when'), yielding the sense 'the when' or 'the time when.' The formation is idiomatic in Koine and later Greek for temporal reference. The elements derive from Proto-Indo-European pronominal and relative roots.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, τότε is already established as the standard temporal adverb for 'then' or 'at that time,' often contrasting with νῦν ('now'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, τότε commonly introduces narrative episodes, responses, or outcomes following a prior event, emphasizing sequence or consequence ('then,' 'at that moment'). Occasionally, it conveys logical succession ('in that case,' 'under those circumstances'). Standard English translations (e.g., 'then') capture the principal sense, but may obscure nuances of logical versus chronological sequence. Unlike νῦν, which refers to the immediate present, or πότε, which inquires about time ('when?'), τότε situates actions or statements precisely relative to a previously mentioned timeframe. In Koine Greek outside the biblical texts, its range and function remains consistent, but its frequency increases in narrative and didactic prose.

Translation Consistency

primary "then" 159 occurrences

τότε is a temporal adverb whose primary and most natural English equivalent is “then.” It consistently marks a time or moment (“at that time,” “thereafter”) in narrative and logical sequences. Although some translations use “that” in certain contexts, “then” best preserves the typical temporal sense and reads naturally across all occurrences, so it should be used consistently for every form.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (the neuter of) ὁ and ὅτε; the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution):--that time, then.

Root Family

τότε (tote) — at that time, then, at the time when

Root τοτ- at that time, then, at the time when

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5119-01 τότε tote ADV then at that time then 159

Occurrences in Scripture

159 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5119-01 Matthew 2:7 τότε tote ADV Then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 2:16 τότε tote ADV then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 2:17 τότε tote ADV Then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 3:5 τότε tote ADV Then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 3:13 τότε tote ADV Then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 3:15 τότε tote ADV then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 4:1 τότε tote ADV then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 4:5 τότε tote ADV then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 4:10 τότε tote ADV Then at that time then
G5119-01 Matthew 4:11 τότε tote ADV then at that time then
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