from εἰ and περ; if perhaps:--if so be (that), seeing, though.
Transliteration:eí per
Pronunciation:i per
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle εἴ περ (G1512, *eí per*) is a compound formed from εἰ (G1487), meaning "if," and περ (G4007), an enclitic particle conveying emphasis, often translated as "indeed," "very," or "even." The combination thus carries the core meaning of "if indeed," "if in fact," or "if it is really the case that." It functions to introduce a conditional clause where the condition is either assumed to be true, presented as a strong probability, or is a necessary premise for the following statement. Its semantic range extends to "seeing that" or "since" when the condition is presented as a known fact, and occasionally to a concessive "though" or "even if" when emphasizing an unlikely but still possible scenario. Unlike a simple εἰ (G1487) which can introduce a purely hypothetical condition, εἴ περ often imbues the condition with a sense of reality, certainty, or critical importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εἴ περ appears in several significant New Testament passages, consistently adding a nuance of certainty or emphasis to the conditional statement.
In [[Romans 8:9]], Paul writes, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Here, εἴ περ is best understood as "if indeed" or "seeing that." Paul is not expressing doubt about the indwelling of the Spirit in his Roman readers but rather stating a foundational truth from which their spiritual state derives. The presence of the Spirit is the defining characteristic of not being "in the flesh."
Similarly, in [[Romans 8:17]], "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." The εἴ περ here ("if indeed") highlights the essential, non-negotiable nature of suffering with Christ as a condition for sharing in His glory. It is not a hypothetical suffering, but a real and expected aspect of Christian discipleship.
In [[1 Corinthians 15:15]], Paul argues for the resurrection: "Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not." The εἴ περ ("if indeed it is true that") underscores the devastating logical consequence for the gospel message if the resurrection of the dead were not a reality. It emphasizes the foundational nature of this truth.
[[2 Thessalonians 1:6]] uses εἴ περ in a slightly different nuance, "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you..." Here, "seeing that" or "since it is indeed" clearly conveys a causal relationship, asserting the divine justice as a certain truth.
Finally, in [[Hebrews 3:6]], "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if so be that we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." The εἴ περ ("if indeed") stresses the necessity of persistent faith and steadfastness for believers to truly remain part of God's household. It underscores the active role of endurance in Christian identity.
Across these occurrences, εἴ περ typically introduces a condition that is either a factual premise, a necessary prerequisite, or a logical consequence, thereby strengthening the assertion made in the main clause.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is εἰ (G1487), the simple conditional particle. εἴ περ distinguishes itself from εἰ by adding the emphatic περ (G4007), which elevates the condition from a mere possibility to a strong probability, a known fact, or a critical prerequisite. Other particles expressing condition or cause include ἐάν (G1437), which typically introduces a more hypothetical or future condition (often with the subjunctive mood), and ἐπειδή (G1893) or διότι (G1360), which more directly express "because" or "since" without the conditional element.
The concept conveyed by εἴ περ is often one of "conditional certainty" or "presupposed truth." It does not express doubt but rather builds an argument or statement upon a condition that is assumed to be true or is presented as undeniably real. This makes εἴ περ a significant marker for understanding the logical flow and the weight of the arguments presented by New Testament authors.
### Theological Significance
The use of εἴ περ often highlights crucial theological realities and the conditions upon which spiritual blessings or states of being depend. It underscores the non-negotiable aspects of Christian faith and experience.
In the Pauline epistles, particularly Romans, εἴ περ emphasizes the foundational nature of truths like the indwelling Spirit ([[Romans 8:9]]) and the necessity of identification with Christ's suffering for co-heirship ([[Romans 8:17]]). These are not optional "ifs" but rather essential components of salvation and discipleship. The particle thus reinforces the integrity of God's promises and the reality of His work in believers.
In [[1 Corinthians 15:15]], εἴ περ is employed to demonstrate the absolute necessity of Christ's resurrection for the truthfulness of the apostolic witness. Without this core truth, the entire Christian message collapses. This use elevates the resurrection from a mere historical event to a theological cornerstone.
The εἴ περ in [[Hebrews 3:6]] serves as a theological warning, reminding believers that their participation in God's household is contingent upon their perseverance in faith. It underscores the active role of the believer in maintaining their spiritual standing, not as a means of earning salvation, but as an evidence of true belonging and a necessary condition for ultimate glorification.
Ultimately, εἴ περ serves to ground theological assertions in reality, clarifying that certain spiritual states or outcomes are contingent upon, or flow directly from, specific, often demanding, conditions or established truths. It calls the reader to acknowledge the reality of these conditions and their profound implications.
### Summary
εἴ περ (G1512) is a compound Greek particle meaning "if indeed" or "seeing that." It combines the conditional "if" with an emphatic "indeed," signaling that the condition introduced is either assumed to be true, presented as a strong probability, or is a necessary premise for the subsequent statement. In biblical contexts, εἴ περ is used to underscore the certainty or critical importance of a condition, often highlighting foundational theological truths (e.g., the indwelling Spirit, the resurrection of Christ) or essential prerequisites for spiritual blessings (e.g., suffering with Christ, perseverance in faith). Its presence guides the reader to understand that the conditional clause is not merely hypothetical but carries significant weight and consequence, grounding theological arguments in divine reality and the demands of faithful discipleship.
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