### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle δήπου (dḗpou), Strong's number `{{G1222}}`, is a compound formed from δή (dē) `{{G1211}}`, an emphatic particle, and πού (pou), which in this context contributes a sense of "somewhere," "perhaps," or "doubtless." The combination results in a particle of asseveration, conveying a strong degree of certainty, an undeniable truth, or an obvious conclusion. It can be translated as "surely," "doubtless," "indeed," "of course," or "it is obvious that." Unlike a simple statement of fact, δήπου often implies that the speaker considers the statement to be self-evident or something that the listener would readily agree with, perhaps even rhetorical in its certainty. It functions to underscore the indisputable nature of the assertion, leaving little room for doubt or disagreement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The particle δήπου (dḗpou) appears only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts, yet consistently conveying a sense of undeniable truth or logical necessity:
1. **[[Hebrews 2:16]]**: "For assuredly (δήπου) He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham."
In this profound theological statement, δήπου emphasizes the certainty and particularity of Christ's redemptive mission. The author of Hebrews uses it to underscore that Christ's incarnation and atoning work were specifically for humanity ("the seed of Abraham"), not for angels. The use of δήπου here presents this truth as a foundational, undisputed fact of divine economy, a self-evident reality for those who understand God's salvific plan. It highlights the precise focus of the Incarnation, reinforcing the unique relationship God established with humanity through Christ.
2. **[[Acts 27:31]]**: "Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, 'Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved (δήπου).'"
Here, δήπου is employed in a practical, life-or-death situation. Paul, guided by divine revelation and wisdom, states an undeniable logical consequence regarding the survival of those on board the ship. The particle signifies that the necessity of the sailors remaining on board is an obvious truth, a self-evident condition for the preservation of life. Despite the miraculous assurance of salvation given by God, Paul emphasizes that human cooperation with practical means is an essential, undeniable part of God's working. It's a statement of pragmatic certainty, implying "surely you can see that this is necessary."
In both instances, δήπου serves to present a statement not merely as true, but as *undeniably* true, a fact or a logical consequence that should be evident to the recipient.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of δήπου (dḗpou) is closely tied to its constituent parts and related particles that convey emphasis or logical progression:
* **δή (dē) `{{G1211}}`**: The primary emphatic particle from which δήπου is partly derived. δή itself often emphasizes a word, introduces a logical consequence, or highlights something as obvious or expected ("indeed," "now," "then"). The "surely" or "indeed" aspect of δήπου is inherited from δή.
* **γάρ (gar) `{{G1063}}`**: Often translated "for" or "because," γάρ introduces an explanation, reason, or justification. While not directly related etymologically, it shares a function of grounding a statement in a preceding thought or an assumed truth, much like δήπου grounds a statement in an undeniable reality.
* **οὖν (oun) `{{G3767}}`**: Meaning "therefore" or "then," οὖν indicates a logical consequence or a transition to a new point based on what precedes. Like δήπου, it can signal an obvious deduction, though δήπου carries a stronger sense of inherent certainty.
* **Concepts of Certainty and Assurance**: The use of δήπου contributes to the broader biblical theme of divine certainty and human assurance. Other words expressing certainty include ἀληθῶς (alēthōs) `{{G230}}` ("truly"), ἀμήν (amēn) `{{G281}}` ("amen," "truly"), and various constructions indicating firm conviction. δήπου specifically highlights a truth as self-evident or logically irrefutable.
### Theological Significance
Though infrequent, the use of δήπου (dḗpou) holds significant theological weight in its biblical occurrences:
1. **Affirmation of Divine Purpose**: In [[Hebrews 2:16]], δήπου underscores the certainty of God's redemptive plan. It is not a matter of conjecture or possibility, but an undeniable truth that Christ's mission was specifically directed towards humanity. This emphasizes the profound and particular love of God for mankind, the intentionality of the Incarnation, and the unique position of humanity in the divine economy of salvation. It reinforces the truth that salvation is not a random act but a purposeful, predestined work of God for His chosen people.
2. **Interplay of Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**: In [[Acts 27:31]], δήπου highlights the critical balance between God's sovereign deliverance and human responsibility. Despite Paul's earlier divine assurance that no lives would be lost, the apostle states with undeniable certainty that human action (the sailors remaining on board) is a necessary condition for that deliverance to materialize. This illustrates a profound theological principle: God's providential care often works *through* human agency and obedience to practical wisdom. It teaches that divine promises do not negate human responsibility but rather often incorporate it as part of the means by which God accomplishes His will.
3. **Reinforcing Authoritative Truth**: The particle's function as an indicator of self-evident truth lends an authoritative tone to the statements in which it appears. It invites the reader/listener to assent to what is being stated as an indisputable fact, whether a theological tenet or a practical necessity. This contributes to the overall sense of divine authority and truthfulness conveyed by the biblical text.
### Summary
The Greek particle δήπου (dḗpou) `{{G1222}}` is a strong particle of asseveration, conveying a sense of undeniable certainty, an obvious conclusion, or a self-evident truth. Formed from δή (dē) `{{G1211}}` and πού (pou), it combines emphasis with an implication that the statement should be readily accepted as true. Its rare occurrences in the New Testament are highly significant: in [[Hebrews 2:16]], it emphasizes the certain and particular focus of Christ's redemptive work on humanity; and in [[Acts 27:31]], it highlights the undeniable necessity of human action as a condition for divine deliverance. In both contexts, δήπου functions to present a statement as beyond dispute, reinforcing the authoritative and certain nature of the biblical message, whether concerning profound theological truths or practical wisdom in the outworking of God's providence.
TRV