from ἐπεί and περ; since indeed (of cause):--seeing.
Transliteration:epeíper
Pronunciation:ep-i'-per
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1897 (epeíper) is a compound conjunction derived from ἐπεί (epeí), meaning "since, because, when," and the intensifying particle περ (per), which adds emphasis, conveying "indeed" or "very." Thus, the core meaning of epeíper is "since indeed," "inasmuch as," or "because truly." It introduces a causal clause with a strong degree of certainty or affirmation, indicating that the premise is an undeniable or acknowledged fact. Its semantic range is primarily restricted to expressing a firm, emphatic causal relationship, serving to underscore the validity of the reason being given.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1897 (epeíper) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[1 Corinthians 14:12]]:** "So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church." (ESV)
In this context, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church concerning the proper use and purpose of spiritual gifts, particularly the gifts of tongues and prophecy. He acknowledges their fervent desire for spiritual manifestations, using epeíper to affirm this zeal as an undisputed fact: "since indeed you are zealous for spirits/spiritual gifts." The use of epeíper here is crucial. It does not question or condemn their zeal but rather accepts it as a given reality. This acknowledged zeal then forms the logical basis for Paul's subsequent exhortation: if they are indeed so eager for spiritual gifts, then their pursuit should be directed towards the ultimate goal of edifying the entire church, not merely personal experience. The emphatic nature of epeíper underscores that Paul is building his argument on a premise that is undeniably true of his audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1897 (epeíper) is closely related to its root components:
* ἐπεί (epeí `{{G1893}}`): The more common causal conjunction "since" or "because." epeíper adds an emphatic layer to this basic causal meaning.
* περ (per `{{G4007}}`): An enclitic particle that intensifies the word to which it is attached, often conveying "indeed," "very," or "just."
It can be compared with other causal conjunctions in the New Testament, such as:
* διότι (dioti `{{G1360}}`): "because, for that reason."
* γάρ (gar `{{G1063}}`): "for, because."
* ἐπειδή (epeidē `{{G1894}}`): "since, because."
* καθότι (kathoti `{{G2526}}`): "inasmuch as, because."
While all these convey causality, epeíper carries a distinct nuance of affirmation and emphasis regarding the truthfulness of the stated reason, setting it apart as a strong, undeniable premise. The specific context in [[1 Corinthians 14:12]] also links it to the broader concept of "zeal for spiritual gifts" and the proper exercise of charismata within the gathered church.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of epeíper in [[1 Corinthians 14:12]] holds significant theological implications for understanding Paul's pastoral approach and the nature of spiritual gifts.
1. **Affirmation as a Basis for Correction:** Paul's use of "since indeed" demonstrates a pastoral wisdom that does not immediately condemn but first affirms a positive, albeit misdirected, spiritual inclination. He acknowledges the Corinthians' zeal for spiritual manifestations, recognizing it as a genuine, God-given desire. This affirmation then serves as a firm, undeniable foundation upon which to build his corrective instruction regarding the proper use and purpose of these gifts.
2. **Purpose-Driven Spirituality:** By using epeíper to highlight their zeal, Paul implicitly affirms the legitimacy of spiritual gifts themselves, but immediately pivots to their intended purpose. The "since indeed" leads directly to the exhortation to "seek to abound for the edification of the church." This emphasizes the theological principle that all spiritual endowments and activities are ultimately for the building up of the body of Christ, not for individual display or self-aggrandizement.
3. **Divine Logic in Exhortation:** The structure of Paul's argument—starting with an undeniable premise (epeíper) and moving to a logical conclusion—reflects a divine logic in pastoral care. God's truth is not presented in a vacuum but often engages with the existing realities and spiritual conditions of His people, guiding them from where they are to where they ought to be in Christ.
### Summary
G1897 (epeíper) is an emphatic Greek causal conjunction meaning "since indeed" or "inasmuch as." Formed from ἐπεί (since) and the intensifier περ (indeed), it introduces a reason or premise with a strong sense of certainty and affirmation. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[1 Corinthians 14:12]], where the Apostle Paul uses it to acknowledge the Corinthian believers' undeniable zeal for spiritual gifts: "since indeed you are zealous for spiritual gifts." This emphatic phrase serves as a foundational premise for Paul's subsequent exhortation, guiding them to direct their spiritual fervor towards the edification of the church. Theologically, epeíper reveals Paul's wise pastoral strategy of affirming an existing spiritual reality before directing it towards God's intended purpose, underscoring that all spiritual gifts are ultimately given for the corporate good and building up of the body of Christ.
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