of uncertain affinity; a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover:--after that(-ward), furthermore, then. See also ἔπειτα.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle "eîta" (εἶτα, `{{G1534}}`) denotes succession, indicating a subsequent event or point in time, or a logical progression in an argument or enumeration. Its primary functions are twofold:
1. **Temporal Succession:** Signifying "then," "after that," or "next" in a chronological sequence. It marks a transition from one event to the one immediately following it.
2. **Logical or Enumerative Succession:** Introducing a subsequent point in a list, argument, or narrative, often translatable as "furthermore," "moreover," or simply "then" in a non-temporal sense, implying a logical next step or addition.
While its affinity is uncertain, its usage consistently points to a clear, sequential relationship between ideas or events, providing structure and coherence to the discourse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
"Eîta" appears in the New Testament to establish clear sequences, both chronological and logical.
* **Temporal Progression:** In [[Mark 4:28]], Jesus' parable of the growing seed illustrates a natural, temporal progression: "First the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear" (πρῶτον χόρτον, εἶτα στάχυν, εἶτα πλήρη σῖτον). Here, "eîta" marks distinct stages in development. Similarly, in [[1 Corinthians 15:24]], it signifies a chronological point in the eschatological timeline: "Then comes the end" (εἶτα τὸ τέλος), following the resurrection of Christ and the subjugation of all rule and authority.
* **Sequential Process of Sin and Death:** [[James 1:15]] employs "eîta" to delineate the destructive progression of sin: "Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is fully grown, it brings forth death" (εἶτα ἡ ἐπιθυμία συλλαβοῦσα τίκτει ἁμαρτίαν). This highlights a cause-and-effect chain, where each step leads inevitably to the next.
* **Enumeration of Witnesses:** Paul uses "eîta" repeatedly in [[1 Corinthians 15:5-7]] to systematically list the appearances of the resurrected Christ: "that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve; then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time... then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles" (εἶτα τοῖς δώδεκα... εἶτα ὤφθη... εἶτα ὤφθη Ἰακώβῳ, εἶτα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσιν). This repetitive use underscores the orderly and numerous testimonies to the resurrection, building a cumulative case.
* **Narrative Flow and Logical Next Steps:** In passages like [[John 19:27]], "eîta" simply moves the narrative forward: "Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!'" (εἶτα λέγει τῷ μαθητῇ). It marks a subsequent action or utterance in a sequence of events, serving as a logical transition. In [[Galatians 1:18]], Paul uses it to mark a new phase in his post-conversion journey: "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem..." (εἶτα μετὰ τρία ἔτη ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα).
### Related Words & Concepts
The closest semantic relative to "eîta" is ἔπειτα (epeita, `{{G2078}}`), which also means "then" or "after that." While often interchangeable, some scholars suggest subtle differences, with "eîta" sometimes implying a more immediate or direct consequence, or a closer connection in a series, whereas "epeita" might introduce a new, somewhat distinct point. However, in many contexts, their functions overlap significantly.
Other related Greek words that denote sequence or connection include:
* καὶ (kai, `{{G2532}}`): "and," "also," a general conjunction.
* δέ (de, `{{G1161}}`): "but," "and," "now," often indicating a transition or mild contrast.
* οὖν (oun, `{{G3767}}`): "therefore," "so," indicating consequence or summation.
* πρῶτον (prōton, `{{G4412}}`): "first," which often precedes "eîta" to establish the initial point in a sequence (e.g., [[Mark 4:28]], [[1 Corinthians 15:23]]).
The concept of divine order and structured progression is intimately linked with the use of "eîta," as it highlights the methodical unfolding of God's plans and the logical coherence of biblical narratives and teachings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "eîta" lies primarily in its role in revealing divine order, the progressive nature of spiritual realities, and the structured presentation of truth.
* **Divine Order and Eschatological Sequence:** In passages like [[1 Corinthians 15:23-24]], "eîta" is crucial for understanding the divinely ordained sequence of events in salvation history, particularly concerning the resurrection: "But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then those who are Christ's at His coming; then comes the end." This particle underscores God's purposeful and methodical plan for redemption and the consummation of all things, demonstrating that His work is not chaotic but follows a precise, pre-determined order.
* **The Process of Sin and Sanctification:** While [[James 1:15]] uses "eîta" to describe the destructive progression of sin, its very function implies that spiritual processes, whether negative or positive, often follow a discernible pattern. This can be extended to the process of sanctification, which is also a progressive work of God in the believer's life, moving from one stage to the next.
* **Reliability of Apostolic Testimony:** In the enumeration of Christ's post-resurrection appearances (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:5-7]]), the repeated use of "eîta" lends a sense of methodical, verifiable testimony. It emphasizes the systematic and broad nature of the eyewitness accounts, bolstering the credibility of the resurrection claim and the apostolic preaching. It speaks to the ordered presentation of historical facts foundational to Christian faith.
### Summary
The Greek particle "eîta" (εἶτα, `{{G1534}}`) is a vital marker of succession, indicating "then," "after that," or "furthermore" in both temporal and logical sequences. Its consistent use in the New Testament highlights the ordered progression of events, ideas, and divine plans. Theologically, "eîta" underscores the purposeful, step-by-step unfolding of God's redemptive work, the structured nature of spiritual processes, and the systematic presentation of biblical truth and historical testimony. It functions as a linguistic anchor for understanding the sequential logic and divine order inherent in the biblical narrative, often working in conjunction with similar particles like ἔπειτα (`{{G2078}}`) and πρῶτον (`{{G4412}}`) to delineate clear stages and connections.
TRV