### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eíte**, represented by `{{G1535}}`, is a particle meaning **if, or, whether**. It appears 65 times across 29 unique verses in the Bible. This word functions as a conjunction, introducing alternatives or conditions to establish a complete or exhaustive set of possibilities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1535}}` is used to frame choices and illustrate the comprehensive nature of a statement. It often links pairs of opposites or lists of categories to show that a principle applies universally. For example, it is used to describe the final judgment where everyone will receive according to what they have done, **whether** it be **good** `{{G18}}` or **bad** `{{G2556}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:10]]. Similarly, it establishes the all-encompassing scope of Christ's creative work, which includes all things in heaven and on earth, **whether** **thrones** `{{G2362}}`, or **dominions** `{{G2963}}`, or **principalities** `{{G746}}`, or **powers** `{{G1849}}` [[Colossians 1:16]]. The particle also serves to break down human distinctions, emphasizing that in Christ there are no barriers, **whether** **Jews** `{{G2453}}` or **Gentiles** `{{G1672}}`, **whether** **bond** `{{G1401}}` or **free** `{{G1658}}` [[1 Corinthians 12:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other particles are used in ways that relate to the conditional or alternative function of `{{G1535}}`:
* `{{G1437}}` **eán** (if): This conditional particle introduces a circumstance or provision, as seen in the promise that believers will receive for whatsoever good thing they do [[Ephesians 6:8]].
* `{{G2228}}` **ḗ** (or): This disjunctive particle presents a direct choice between two connected terms. It is used to distinguish between different musical sounds, such as a **pipe** `{{G836}}` **or** **harp** `{{G2788}}` [[1 Corinthians 14:7]].
* `{{G1161}}` **dé** (but, and): This particle can be adversative or continuative, often connecting clauses in a sequence rather than presenting them as alternatives, as in the statement that **charity** `{{G26}}` never **faileth** `{{G1601}}`, **but** **whether** there be prophecies... [[1 Corinthians 13:8]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1535}}` carries significant theological weight by defining the scope of divine principles.
* **Comprehensive Sovereignty:** The word is used to articulate the totality of Christ's creative power and redemptive work. By listing all categories of existence, **whether** things in **earth** `{{G1093}}` **or** things in **heaven** `{{G3772}}`, scripture asserts that nothing exists outside of His authority ([[Colossians 1:16]], [[Colossians 1:20]]).
* **Universal Accountability:** `{{G1535}}` underscores the impartial nature of divine judgment. Every deed will be accounted for, **whether** it be **good** `{{G18}}` **or** **bad** `{{G2556}}`, leaving no action outside of God's review [[2 Corinthians 5:10]].
* **Unity in the Body of Christ:** The particle is employed to dissolve worldly divisions. Status, ethnicity, and social standing are rendered irrelevant within the church, as all are united in one Spirit, **whether** **bond** `{{G1401}}` **or** **free** `{{G1658}}` ([[1 Corinthians 12:13]], [[Ephesians 6:8]]).
* **All-Encompassing Devotion:** Believers are called to a life of complete dedication, where all actions are done for God's glory, **whether** you **eat** `{{G2068}}` **or** **drink** `{{G4095}}` [[1 Corinthians 10:31]]. This applies regardless of circumstance, **whether** **present** `{{G1736}}` **or** **absent** `{{G1553}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1535}}` is a crucial particle that structures theological arguments by presenting exhaustive alternatives. It functions to demonstrate the all-inclusive nature of God's sovereignty, the impartial standard of His judgment, the radical unity of believers in Christ, and the call to a life of total dedication. The use of **eíte** shows how even a small conjunction can define the boundless scope of foundational biblical doctrines.
TRV