### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek conjunction εἴτε (eíte, `{{G1535}}`) is formed from the conditional particle εἰ (ei, "if") and the enclitic particle τέ (te, "and" or "also"). This etymology provides insight into its core meaning: it functions to introduce alternatives or options, often with an additive or comprehensive nuance. Its primary semantic range includes "whether...or," "either...or," "if...or," or simply "or" when listing possibilities. It serves as a disjunctive conjunction, presenting choices or a series of conditions without necessarily implying mutual exclusivity, but rather an exhaustive or inclusive range of possibilities. When used in pairs (εἴτε...εἴτε), it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conditions being presented, covering all eventualities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εἴτε appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, where it is employed to establish broad principles or to enumerate various scenarios under a single overarching truth.
One prominent example is found in [[Romans 14:8]]: "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Here, εἴτε is used three times in rapid succession (εἴτε γὰρ ζῶμεν, τῷ κυρίῳ ζῶμεν, εἴτε ἀποθνῄσκομεν, τῷ κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκομεν· εἴτε οὖν ζῶμεν εἴτε ἀποθνῄσκομεν, τοῦ κυρίου ἐσμέν). This repetition underscores the all-encompassing nature of the believer's relationship with Christ, affirming that every aspect of existence, life and death included, is lived in submission to and ownership by the Lord.
In [[1 Corinthians 10:31]], Paul uses εἴτε to establish a universal ethical principle: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The phrase εἴτε ἐσθίετε εἴτε πίνετε εἴτε τι ποιεῖτε (whether you eat or drink or whatever you do) demonstrates how εἴτε can expand a command to cover a wide spectrum of actions, from the mundane to the significant, demanding that all be performed with the singular aim of glorifying God.
Another significant instance is in [[Philippians 1:18]], where Paul expresses his joy despite the varied motives of those proclaiming Christ: "What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." Here, εἴτε προφάσει εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ (whether in pretence or in truth) highlights Paul's focus on the ultimate outcome—the proclamation of Christ—over the diverse and sometimes flawed human motivations behind it.
Finally, in [[Colossians 1:16]], εἴτε is used to enumerate the vast scope of Christ's creation: "For by him were all things created, in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." The use of εἴτε (εἴτε θρόνοι εἴτε κυριότητες εἴτε ἀρχαὶ εἴτε ἐξουσίαι) here ensures that no category of created being, even those in the unseen spiritual realm, is excluded from Christ's creative and sustaining power.
### Related Words & Concepts
εἴτε is closely related to its root, εἰ (ei, `{{G1487}}`), which functions as a simple conditional particle, meaning "if." While εἰ introduces a single condition, εἴτε specifically introduces alternatives or a series of conditions.
Another closely related conjunction is ἤ (ē, `{{G2228}}`), meaning "or." While ἤ can also introduce alternatives, εἴτε often carries a stronger sense of exhaustiveness or inclusiveness, particularly when used in repeated clauses (εἴτε...εἴτε). In some contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but εἴτε often implies a more deliberate or comprehensive listing of possibilities.
The concept of "comprehensiveness" or "all-inclusiveness" is central to the function of εἴτε. It ensures that a statement, command, or truth applies universally across a defined set of options or circumstances. This often relates to theological concepts of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the holistic nature of Christian life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εἴτε lies in its ability to underscore the expansive and all-encompassing nature of God's truth, commands, and sovereignty.
In passages like [[Romans 14:8]], εἴτε reinforces the absolute Lordship of Christ over every aspect of a believer's existence. It teaches that Christian identity and purpose are not limited to specific actions or moments but permeate life and death, affirming a total dependence and belonging to God. This promotes a theology of divine ownership and a life lived entirely "unto the Lord."
The use of εἴτε in [[1 Corinthians 10:31]] is foundational for a robust understanding of Christian ethics. By encompassing eating, drinking, and "whatsoever ye do," it elevates even the most mundane activities to acts of worship when performed for God's glory. This highlights the holistic demand of discipleship, where no area of life is outside the scope of divine command and purpose.
In [[Philippians 1:18]], εἴτε reveals a profound Christ-centeredness in Paul's theology. His joy is rooted in the fact that Christ is proclaimed, regardless of the imperfect or even impure motivations of the proclaimers. This demonstrates a focus on the ultimate work of God over human failings, emphasizing the power of the Gospel itself.
Furthermore, in [[Colossians 1:16]], εἴτε is crucial for articulating the cosmic supremacy of Christ. By listing various categories of created beings, visible and invisible, it asserts that all things, without exception, derive their existence and power from Him. This forms a powerful theological statement about Christ's preeminence as Creator and Sustainer of the entire cosmos.
### Summary
εἴτε (eíte, `{{G1535}}`) is a Greek conjunction meaning "whether...or" or "either...or," derived from εἰ ("if") and τέ ("and"). Its primary function in the New Testament is to introduce alternative conditions or to present an exhaustive list of possibilities, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive scope of a statement or command. Contextual analysis reveals its use in affirming the all-encompassing Lordship of Christ over life and death ([[Romans 14:8]]), establishing the holistic demands of Christian ethics ([[1 Corinthians 10:31]]), highlighting a Christ-centered focus above human motives ([[Philippians 1:18]]), and articulating the universal creative and sustaining power of Christ ([[Colossians 1:16]]). Theologically, εἴτε serves to underscore the expansive nature of biblical truth, promoting a vision of God's sovereignty and the believer's responsibility that permeates all aspects of existence.
TRV