### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eíge**, represented by `{{G1489}}`, is a particle used to introduce a condition, meaning **if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. It functions not merely as a hypothetical "if," but often to introduce a premise that the writer assumes to be true, grounding an argument or a warning in a shared understanding or experience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1489}}` is employed to build upon a foundational truth that the audience has already received. For instance, it is used to affirm that believers have **heard** of the dispensation of God's grace [[Ephesians 3:2]] and have been **taught** by Christ [[Ephesians 4:21]]. It also frames the condition for continued assurance, stating that believers will be presented holy **if** they **continue** in the faith, grounded and settled [[Colossians 1:23]]. The term can also introduce a sober warning, as when questioning whether the Galatians have **suffered** so many things **in vain** [[Galatians 3:4]], or when expressing the conditional hope that believers will not be **found naked** [[2 Corinthians 5:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{G1489}}` is used:
* `{{G191}}` **akoúō** (to hear (in various senses)): The condition introduced by `{{G1489}}` is often based on the assumption that the audience has already **heard** the gospel message ([[Ephesians 3:2]], [[Ephesians 4:21]]).
* `{{G1961}}` **epiménō** (to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere)): This word specifies the necessary response to the condition, emphasizing the need to **continue** in the faith to secure its hope [[Colossians 1:23]].
* `{{G1500}}` **eikē** (idly, i.e. without reason (or effect)): This term highlights the potential negative outcome, raising the question of whether past suffering was endured **in vain** if the condition of faithfulness is abandoned [[Galatians 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1489}}` lies in its emphasis on the relationship between divine truth and human responsibility.
* **Conditional Perseverance:** The word underscores that the security of a believer's hope is connected to their active perseverance. The promise of being presented holy is conditioned on the call to **continue** in the **faith** `{{G4102}}` and not be **moved away** `{{G3334}}` from the hope of the gospel [[Colossians 1:23]].
* **Foundation in Revealed Truth:** In Ephesians, `{{G1489}}` is used rhetorically to remind believers of the solid foundation they already possess. Arguments are built upon the premise that they have **heard** of God's **grace** `{{G5485}}` and been **taught** `{{G1321}}` the **truth** `{{G225}}` in Jesus ([[Ephesians 3:2]], [[Ephesians 4:21]]).
* **Call to Reflection:** The term can serve as a potent call to self-examination. It forces the reader to consider whether their actions align with their profession, as in the warning against suffering **in vain** `{{G1500}}` [[Galatians 3:4]] or the hope of not being **found naked** `{{G1131}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1489}}` is more than a simple conditional clause. It is a rhetorical tool used to build arguments on the foundation of truths believers have already **heard**. It connects divine promises to the human responsibility of perseverance, framing assurance with the call to **continue** in the **faith**. By linking past experience with present faithfulness, **eíge** powerfully emphasizes that a genuine reception of the gospel results in an enduring walk of faith.
TRV