### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dḗpou**, represented by `{{G1222}}`, is a particle of asseveration defined as **indeed doubtless** or **verily**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its function is to add a strong sense of affirmation and certainty to the statement it modifies, leaving no room for doubt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1222}}` is in [[Hebrews 2:16]], where it is translated as **verily**. The verse makes a crucial distinction: "For **verily** he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham" [[Hebrews 2:16]]. Here, **dḗpou** serves to emphatically assert that Christ’s intervention was specifically for humanity, identified as the **seed** `{{G4690}}` of **Abraham** `{{G11}}`, and not for angelic beings `{{G32}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words in [[Hebrews 2:16]] are crucial to understanding the emphatic statement introduced by `{{G1222}}`:
* `{{G1949}}` **epilambánomai** (to seize, lay hold upon): Translated as "took on," this word describes Christ's deliberate action of taking hold of something for the purpose of help. It appears twice in the verse, emphasizing the intentionality of the incarnation.
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (angel, messenger): The use of **dḗpou** introduces a firm negation: the help was **not** for angels. This establishes a clear distinction between the nature Christ assumed and that of angelic beings [[Matthew 16:27]].
* `{{G4690}}` **spérma** (seed, offspring): This identifies what Christ *did* lay hold of—humanity, described as the **seed** of **Abraham** `{{G11}}`. The term points to a specific lineage and covenantal promise [[Galatians 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1222}}` is concentrated in its single use, providing a point of doctrinal certainty.
* **Certainty of Purpose:** As a particle of asseveration, **dḗpou** removes all doubt about the nature of Christ's mission. Its use effectively means "it is **doubtless** true" that he came to aid humanity.
* **Focus of the Incarnation:** The word emphasizes that Christ did not take on the nature of **angels** `{{G32}}` but rather the **seed** `{{G4690}}` of **Abraham** `{{G11}}`. This affirms that the incarnation was a specific, targeted act to redeem a particular lineage.
* **Humanity's Position:** By using **dḗpou** to contrast humanity with angels, the text underscores the unique position of mankind in God's redemptive plan. The emphatic "verily" in [[Hebrews 2:16]] confirms that salvation was accomplished through Christ becoming one with those he came to save.
### Summary
In summary, **dḗpou** `{{G1222}}` is a precise and potent Greek particle used to express certainty. Though appearing only once, its role in [[Hebrews 2:16]] is critical. It functions to **verily** affirm that Christ's incarnation was for the benefit of the **seed** of **Abraham** `{{G11}}`, not angels `{{G32}}`. This single word solidifies a key theological doctrine, leaving no room for doubt about the intentional and specific nature of Christ's saving work.
TRV