from ἐπί and εἶτα; thereafter:--after that(-ward), then.
Transliteration:épeita
Pronunciation:ep'-i-tah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G1899 ἔπειτα (épeita) is derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the adverb εἶτα (eita), meaning "then" or "next." This etymological foundation clearly indicates its primary function: to denote a temporal or logical sequence, signaling what comes "thereafter," "next," or "then" in a progression. Its semantic range is tightly focused on succession. It signifies a subsequent event, action, or state that follows a preceding one, often implying a necessary or ordered progression rather than a mere chronological happenstance. While primarily temporal, it can also establish a logical consequence, indicating that one event or fact leads to another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1899 ἔπειτα appears frequently in the New Testament, consistently marking a step in a sequence. Its usage highlights the structured and often divinely ordered nature of events.
In temporal contexts, it precisely articulates the unfolding of time. For instance, in [[Mark 4:28]], describing the growth of crops, Jesus states, "First the blade, then the ear, *then* the full grain in the ear." Here, ἔπειτα emphasizes the natural, sequential development ordained by creation. Similarly, in [[1 Corinthians 15:23]], Paul outlines the resurrection order: "But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, *then* at his coming those who belong to Christ." This verse uses ἔπειτα to underscore the divinely appointed sequence of eschatological events, a crucial theological point regarding the resurrection. Paul also uses it to describe his own post-conversion journey in [[Galatians 1:18]], "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem..." clearly marking a chronological step.
Beyond simple chronology, ἔπειta often highlights a logical or consequential progression. [[James 1:15]] provides a stark example of the progression of sin: "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." Here, ἔπειτα marks the inevitable, destructive outcome of unchecked desire, presenting a logical consequence rather than just a temporal one. In Paul's defense of his apostleship in [[1 Corinthians 15:5-7]], he meticulously lists Christ's post-resurrection appearances: "And that he appeared to Cephas, *then* to the twelve. *Then* he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time... *Then* he appeared to James, *then* to all the apostles." The repeated use of ἔπειτα builds a compelling, sequential argument for the veracity of the resurrection and his own legitimate call.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1899 ἔπειτα stands in close relation to several other Greek words conveying temporal or sequential meaning, yet it maintains its distinct nuance.
* τότε (tote): While often translated "then," `{{G5119}}` τότε can refer to a more immediate or specific point in time, or simply a general "at that time." ἔπειτα, by contrast, more strongly emphasizes a *succession* or *next step* in a series.
* εἶτα (eita): As its base word, `{{G1534}}` εἶτα can also mean "then" or "next." The addition of ἐπί in ἔπειτα often lends a slightly stronger sense of "following upon" or "subsequently."
* μετά (meta): This preposition (`{{G3326}}` μετά) with the genitive often means "after," indicating a period following an event (e.g., "after these things"). While conveying sequence, ἔπειτα functions as an adverb, directly linking two actions or states.
* πρῶτον (prōton): Frequently used in conjunction with ἔπειτα (e.g., "first... then..."), `{{G4412}}` πρῶτον establishes the initial point in a sequence that ἔπειτα continues. This pairing emphasizes an ordered progression, such as in [[1 Corinthians 15:46]], "But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the natural, *then* the spiritual."
The distinctiveness of ἔπειτα lies in its consistent emphasis on a methodical, often purposeful, progression. It is less about a simple passage of time and more about the unfolding of events in a defined order.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of G1899 ἔπειτα throughout the New Testament carries significant theological weight. It underscores the concept of divine order and the purposeful unfolding of God's plan in history and salvation.
1. **Divine Order and Providence:** The sequential nature implied by ἔπειτα in passages like [[1 Corinthians 15:23]] (Christ, then believers, then the end) highlights God's meticulous and pre-ordained plan for creation, redemption, and eschatology. It assures believers that events are not random but part of a sovereign design.
2. **Process of Sanctification and Spiritual Growth:** In contexts describing spiritual development or the progression of sin (e.g., [[James 1:15]]), ἔπειτα illustrates the step-by-step nature of spiritual realities. It reveals how choices lead to consequences, and how spiritual maturity or decay unfolds over time.
3. **Authentication of Apostolic Witness:** In accounts like Paul's defense in [[1 Corinthians 15:5-7]], the precise sequence of Christ's appearances, marked by ἔπειτα, lends credibility and structure to the apostolic testimony. It suggests a reliable, verifiable chain of events, establishing the historical foundation of the resurrection.
4. **Theological Argumentation:** Paul frequently employs ἔπειτα to structure his theological arguments, demonstrating a logical flow from one premise or event to the next. This rhetorical device reinforces the coherence and rationality of divine revelation.
Thus, ἔπειτα is not merely a linguistic marker of time but a subtle indicator of the structured, purposeful, and reliable nature of God's working in the world and in human lives.
### Summary
G1899 ἔπειτα (épeita) is a crucial Greek adverb signifying "thereafter" or "then," primarily denoting a temporal or logical sequence. Derived from ἐπί and εἶτα, it emphasizes a subsequent step or consequence in a progression. In biblical texts, it consistently highlights the ordered unfolding of events, whether in natural processes ([[Mark 4:28]]), eschatological timelines ([[1 Corinthians 15:23]]), personal narratives ([[Galatians 1:18]]), or the progression of moral realities ([[James 1:15]]). Its usage often contrasts with τότε (tote) by stressing a methodical succession rather than a simple point in time. Theologically, ἔπειτα profoundly underscores divine order, the purposeful nature of God's plan in salvation history, the process of spiritual development, and the structured reliability of apostolic witness. It serves as a linguistic anchor for understanding the sequential and often predetermined nature of God's interaction with creation and humanity.
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