from εἰ and καί; if also (or even):--if (that), though.
Transliteration:ei kaí
Pronunciation:i kahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek phrase G1499 (εἰ καί, *ei kaí*) is a compound particle formed from `{{G1487}}` (εἰ, "if") and `{{G2532}}` (καί, "and," "also," "even"). Individually, `{{G1487}}` introduces a condition, while `{{G2532}}` adds emphasis or inclusion. When combined, G1499 functions primarily as a concessive conjunction, best translated as "even if," "though," or "although." Its semantic range encompasses both hypothetical and factual concessions. It acknowledges a premise or a potential reality, often for the sake of argument, while simultaneously introducing a contrasting or surprising outcome, or affirming a truth that holds despite the conceded point. Unlike a simple conditional `{{G1487}}`, G1499 explicitly grants the possibility or reality of the condition to highlight the subsequent clause, which often stands in tension or opposition to the initial concession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The phrase G1499 appears in several significant New Testament passages, each instance illuminating its nuanced function:
* **Romans 3:7**: "For if the truth of God has abounded through my lie to His glory, why am I still being judged as a sinner?" ([[Romans 3:7]]) Here, εἰ καί is best understood as "if indeed" or "even if," granting a hypothetical premise (that one's sin could somehow magnify God's glory) only to expose the absurdity and injustice of being condemned for such a "glorious" act. Paul uses it to expose the flawed logic of his hypothetical objector.
* **2 Corinthians 4:16**: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." ([[2 Corinthians 4:16]]) In this context, εἰ καί clearly functions as "even though" or "although." Paul concedes the reality of physical decay ("our outward man is perishing") but immediately contrasts it with the vibrant, ongoing spiritual renewal ("the inward man is being renewed day by day"). This highlights the paradoxical nature of Christian experience, where physical weakness coexists with spiritual strength.
* **Philippians 2:17**: "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." ([[Philippians 2:17]]) Here, εἰ καί signifies "even if" or "though." Paul contemplates the possibility of his martyrdom ("being poured out as a drink offering"), but his joy remains undiminished. The concession emphasizes the depth of his commitment and the unwavering nature of his spiritual joy in Christ, regardless of personal cost.
* **Hebrews 6:9**: "But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner." ([[Hebrews 6:9]]) The author uses εἰ καί ("though" or "even if") to acknowledge the severity of the preceding warnings about apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8). Despite these stern words, the author expresses confidence in the readers' genuine faith and perseverance. The concession allows the author to deliver strong admonitions while simultaneously offering reassurance and hope.
* **Hebrews 7:11**: "Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?" ([[Hebrews 7:11]]) Similar to Romans 3:7, εἰ καί here acts as "if indeed" or "if even," introducing a premise that is then shown to be inadequate. The author concedes the historical reality of the Levitical priesthood but argues that its imperfection necessitated the coming of a superior priesthood, that of Christ after the order of Melchizedek.
In each instance, G1499 functions to set up a contrast or to affirm a truth that holds firm *despite* the conceded condition, whether hypothetical or actual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The particle G1499 (εἰ καί) stands in close relation to its constituent parts, `{{G1487}}` (εἰ, "if") and `{{G2532}}` (καί, "and," "also," "even"), demonstrating how a simple conditional can be intensified into a concessive one through the addition of emphasis. Other related Greek words and concepts include:
* `{{G1437}}` (ἐάν): A common conditional particle, often used with the subjunctive mood for hypothetical conditions ("if," "whenever"). While `{{G1437}}` introduces a condition, G1499 often introduces a condition that is *granted* or *assumed* to be true for the sake of argument, leading to a stronger conclusion.
* `{{G2579}}` (κἄν, from καί + ἐάν): Similar to G1499 in meaning "even if," but often with a more indefinite or general sense.
* `{{G2540}}` (καίπερ): A more direct concessive particle, meaning "although" or "though," often used with participles. While synonymous in some contexts, G1499 retains a stronger connection to the conditional "if."
* `{{G3754}}` (ὅτι): "Because," "that," often introducing a reason or a fact. G1499 can introduce a factual concession, but its primary function is to set up a contrast, not merely state a cause.
Conceptually, G1499 is vital for expressing logical argumentation, particularly in the realm of *a fortiori* reasoning (from the stronger, or all the more so) or in highlighting the steadfastness of a truth in the face of apparent contradictions. It allows biblical authors to acknowledge difficulties or counter-arguments without undermining the core message.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1499 lies in its capacity to articulate profound truths that transcend challenging circumstances or human limitations.
1. **Affirmation in Adversity**: In passages like [[2 Corinthians 4:16]], εἰ καί underscores the Christian's ability to maintain hope and spiritual vitality *even though* facing physical decay or suffering. It highlights the divine power at work within believers that triumphs over external pressures, pointing to the eschatological hope of renewal.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**: In contexts like [[Romans 3:7]], εἰ καί is used to dismantle flawed human logic that attempts to justify sin by appealing to God's glory. It implicitly affirms God's absolute righteousness and the unchangeable nature of His judgment, even when human reasoning might try to twist divine truth.
3. **Superiority of the New Covenant**: In [[Hebrews 7:11]], the phrase is instrumental in demonstrating the insufficiency of the Old Covenant priesthood. By conceding the existence and function of the Levitical system, the author powerfully argues for the absolute necessity and superiority of Christ's priesthood, thereby exalting Christ's unique and perfect mediatorial role.
4. **Pastoral Encouragement**: In [[Hebrews 6:9]], εἰ καί allows the author to deliver stern warnings while simultaneously offering genuine pastoral encouragement and confidence in the readers' salvation. This balance demonstrates the biblical tension between divine warning and divine assurance, highlighting God's faithfulness to those who persevere.
In essence, G1499 often serves to emphasize the unwavering nature of God's truth, promises, or character, even when confronted with human weakness, suffering, or logical fallacies. It allows the biblical authors to present a robust theology that accounts for the complexities of life and faith without compromising divine truth.
### Summary
The Greek phrase G1499 (εἰ καί, *ei kaí*) is a vital concessive conjunction, meaning "even if," "though," or "although." Formed from `{{G1487}}` ("if") and `{{G2532}}` ("also/even"), it functions to introduce a premise or condition that is granted or conceded, often to highlight a contrasting or more significant truth that holds firm despite the concession. In biblical contexts, G1499 is used to articulate paradoxical realities of the Christian life (e.g., spiritual renewal amidst physical decay in [[2 Corinthians 4:16]]), to expose flawed human reasoning by conceding a point only to demonstrate its absurdity (e.g., [[Romans 3:7]]), and to establish the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant (e.g., [[Hebrews 7:11]]). Theologically, it underscores the steadfastness of God's character and purposes, the resilience of faith in adversity, and the unyielding nature of divine truth against all counter-arguments or challenging circumstances. Its precise usage enriches the depth and nuance of theological argumentation in the New Testament.
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