from ἐπί and ἄν; a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as:--when.
Transliteration:epán
Pronunciation:ep-an'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle ἐπάν (epán - `{{G1875}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi - `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon" or "on," and the particle ἄν (an - `{{G302}}`), which denotes possibility, contingency, or indefiniteness. This etymological foundation gives epán its core meaning: "upon the occasion that," "whenever," or "as soon as," always with a strong nuance of indefiniteness or contingency. It does not refer to a specific, definite point in time, but rather to a general or hypothetical future occurrence. The semantic range thus encompasses temporal indefiniteness, often implying a condition or a recurring event, translating most aptly as "whenever" or "if and when."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though not exceedingly common in the New Testament, ἐπάν (epán - `{{G1875}}`) appears in significant contexts, consistently marking an indefinite temporal relationship.
* In [[Luke 11:22]], Jesus describes the stronger man overcoming the one who guards his palace: "But **when** a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil." Here, epán introduces a hypothetical future scenario, emphasizing the contingent nature of the stronger one's arrival. It is not a specific time but rather "if and when" this event occurs.
* Similarly, in [[Luke 14:12]], Jesus instructs the host of a dinner: "Then He also said to him who invited Him, '**When** you give a dinner or a supper, do not invite your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid." The use of epán indicates that this instruction applies generally, "whenever" such an event takes place, not just on a single occasion. It highlights a principle for ongoing conduct.
* In [[Luke 17:10]], Jesus concludes the parable of the unprofitable servants: "So likewise you, **when** you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" Again, epán refers to the general circumstance of completing one's duty, not a singular moment, reinforcing the continuous nature of humble service.
* Paul employs epán in [[1 Corinthians 14:26]] when addressing the order of worship: "How is it then, brethren? **When** you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." This use underscores the regular, contingent nature of their gatherings, providing guidance for "whenever" the church assembles.
* A profound instance appears in [[2 Corinthians 3:15-16]]: "But even to this day, **when** Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless **when** one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." In both instances, epán points to an ongoing, contingent reality. The veil remains "whenever" Moses is read without Christ, and it is removed "whenever" an individual turns to the Lord. This highlights the conditional nature of spiritual revelation.
Across these occurrences, epán consistently introduces a temporal clause that is conditional, indefinite, or refers to a recurring event, framing the main clause as a consequence or instruction for that contingency.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐπάν (epán - `{{G1875}}`) is intrinsically linked to its constituent parts and shares semantic space with other Greek temporal particles:
* **ἐπί (epi - `{{G1909}}`):** The preposition "upon" or "on" contributes the foundational idea of "upon the occasion of."
* **ἄν (an - `{{G302}}`):** The particle of contingency is crucial. It transforms a simple temporal statement into one that expresses possibility, indefiniteness, or a hypothetical condition. Without ἄν, the temporal aspect would be definite.
* **ὅταν (hotan - `{{G3752}}`):** This particle, meaning "whenever" or "whensoever," is very close in meaning and function to epán. It is also a compound, combining ὅτε (hote - `{{G3753}}`, "when") with ἄν. While ὅταν is far more frequent in the New Testament, both particles serve to introduce indefinite temporal clauses, implying "if and when" or "every time that." epán can be seen as a more specific or less common variant that carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the "upon the occasion" aspect.
* **ὅτε (hote - `{{G3753}}`):** In contrast to epán, ὅτε typically refers to a more definite "when," often marking a specific point in time or a past event. The distinction underscores epán's role in describing contingent or general circumstances.
* **Conditional Clauses:** epán often functions to introduce a protasis (the "if" clause) of a conditional sentence, setting the stage for the apodosis (the main clause) that follows. This grammatical function highlights the contingent relationship between actions or events.
### Theological Significance
While a grammatical particle, the specific nuance of ἐπάν (epán - `{{G1875}}`) carries subtle but important theological implications.
* **Contingent Grace and Response:** In passages like [[2 Corinthians 3:16]], epán emphasizes that spiritual revelation and the removal of the "veil" are contingent upon a human response—"when one turns to the Lord." This underscores the necessity of human agency and faith in receiving divine grace, rather than portraying it as an automatic or unconditional outcome.
* **Universal Principles for Conduct:** In ethical teachings such as [[Luke 14:12]], epán signals that Christ's instructions are not limited to specific instances but are universal principles applicable "whenever" a particular situation arises. This highlights the enduring and timeless nature of biblical morality and wisdom.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Divine Plan:** In eschatological or prophetic contexts (e.g., [[Luke 11:22]]), epán can point to future events that are certain to occur *when* God's appointed time or agent arrives. It speaks to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, even if the exact timing remains indefinite to human observers.
* **Order and Edification:** In the context of church life ([[1 Corinthians 14:26]]), epán underscores the importance of order and purpose "whenever" believers gather. It implies that the principles for worship and spiritual gifts are to be applied consistently, not just occasionally, for the edification of the body.
The use of epán thus reinforces a biblical worldview where divine interactions, instructions, and promises are often predicated on specific conditions or responses, emphasizing the dynamic and relational nature of faith.
### Summary
ἐπάν (epán - `{{G1875}}`) is a Greek particle derived from ἐπί (epi - `{{G1909}}`) and ἄν (an - `{{G302}}`), signifying "whenever" or "as soon as" with an inherent sense of indefiniteness or contingency. Unlike a definite "when" (ὅτε - `{{G3753}}`), epán introduces a temporal clause that describes a potential, recurring, or hypothetical future event or condition. Its occurrences in the New Testament consistently highlight the general applicability of teachings ([[Luke 14:12]]), the contingent nature of future events ([[Luke 11:22]]), and the conditional basis for spiritual realities ([[2 Corinthians 3:16]]). Theologically, epán subtly reinforces the idea that God's kingdom operates on principles and conditions, emphasizing that divine blessings and the unfolding of His plan often depend on specific actions or circumstances occurring, underscoring the "if and when" aspect of God's interaction with humanity.
TRV