from ἵνα and τίς; for what reason ?, i.e. why?:--wherefore, why.
Transliteration:hinatí
Pronunciation:hin-at-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek interrogative adverb G2444 (ἱνατί, *hinatí*) is a compound word formed from the conjunction ἵνα (hina `{{G2443}}`), meaning "in order that" or "so that," and the interrogative pronoun τίς (tis `{{G5101}}`), meaning "who," "which," or "what." This etymological combination yields its core meaning: "for what reason?" or "for what purpose?" It is precisely translated as "why?" or "wherefore?"
Unlike a simple "what?" (τί), hinatí specifically probes the underlying *reason*, *cause*, or *ultimate purpose* of an action, state, or event. Its semantic range includes expressions of genuine inquiry, surprise, bewilderment, indignation, or even rhetorical challenge. The presence of ἵνα underscores that the question is not merely about an event's occurrence, but its deeper teleological or causal ground.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2444 appears frequently in the New Testament, often marking pivotal moments of questioning or theological reflection. Its usage reveals various nuances:
* **Genuine Inquiry/Bewilderment:** In [[Mark 2:16]], the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus' disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" This is a question born of confusion and a challenge to perceived religious norms. Similarly, in [[John 13:37]], Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, why can I not follow you now?" expressing a sincere desire for understanding.
* **Rhetorical Question/Challenge:** Pilate's question in [[Matthew 27:23]], "Why, what evil has he done?" is rhetorical, expressing his own finding of no fault in Jesus, yet yielding to the crowd's demand. In [[Luke 13:7]], the owner of the fig tree asks, "Why does it use up the ground?" conveying impatience and a desire for accountability.
* **Expression of Anguish/Lament:** Perhaps the most poignant use is found in the Synoptic Gospels' account of Jesus' cry from the cross, quoting [[Psalm 22:1]]: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([[Matthew 27:46]], [[Mark 15:34]]). Here, hinatí conveys profound spiritual agony and a desperate plea for divine understanding in the face of apparent abandonment.
* **Theological Argumentation:** Paul employs hinatí in his epistles to introduce rhetorical questions that guide his readers to theological conclusions. For instance, in [[Romans 9:32]], he asks, "Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works." This usage clarifies a theological point by anticipating and addressing a potential objection. In [[1 Corinthians 10:29]], "Why is my freedom judged by another's conscience?" challenges a specific ethical stance.
* **Divine Inquiry/Prophetic Utterance:** In [[Acts 4:25]], quoting [[Psalm 2:1]], the early church prays, "Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?" This question, though rhetorical, frames God's sovereign plan against human rebellion.
Across these contexts, hinatí consistently draws attention to the underlying *reason* or *purpose*, inviting deeper reflection rather than a superficial answer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of hinatí are ἵνα (hina `{{G2443}}`), which denotes purpose or result, and τίς (tis `{{G5101}}`), the interrogative pronoun. This compound nature distinguishes it from other interrogatives.
A closely related and often interchangeable phrase is διὰ τί (dia ti `{{G1223}}` `{{G5101}}`), meaning "on account of what?" or "for what reason?" While hinatí emphasizes the *purpose* or *end goal*, διὰ τί often highlights the *cause* or *reason* leading to an action. In many contexts, their meanings overlap significantly, and they can be used synonymously. For example, [[Matthew 13:10]] asks "Why (διὰ τί) do you speak to them in parables?" while [[Luke 13:7]] uses hinatí for a similar "why" question.
Other interrogatives differ in scope: πῶς (pōs `{{G4459}}`) asks "how?" (method), ποῦ (pou `{{G4226}}`) asks "where?" (location), and πότε (pote `{{G4218}}`) asks "when?" (time). hinatí specifically targets the *rationale* or *telos*.
The concept of inquiry, particularly into divine will and human suffering, is central to the usage of hinatí. It touches upon themes of justification, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
### Theological Significance
The persistent human question "why?" as embodied by hinatí, holds profound theological significance.
1. **Human Desire for Understanding:** The frequent use of hinatí by disciples, opponents, and even Jesus Himself, underscores the innate human desire to comprehend God's ways, especially in the face of suffering, apparent injustice, or unexpected divine action. It reflects a yearning for logical coherence in the divine economy.
2. **Revelation of Divine Purpose:** Often, the "why?" questions posed to Jesus lead to deeper revelations about God's redemptive plan. For instance, Jesus' suffering, though questioned with anguish ([[Matthew 27:46]]), is ultimately revealed as necessary for salvation. The questions allow for the unfolding of divine intentionality.
3. **Exposure of Human Limitations:** Many "why?" questions from the disciples or religious leaders reveal their limited understanding, lack of faith, or adherence to preconceived notions that clash with God's unfolding purposes. Their questions highlight the gap between human perception and divine reality.
4. **Theological Argumentation and Conviction:** In Pauline theology, hinatí serves as a tool for robust theological discourse, guiding readers to grasp complex doctrines by anticipating and answering their implicit "why" questions, thereby strengthening conviction in the truth of the gospel.
5. **The Problem of Evil and Suffering:** The most potent theological use of hinatí is found in Jesus' cry from the cross. This deeply human question, echoing [[Psalm 22:1]], encapsulates the universal cry of humanity in the face of inexplicable suffering and perceived divine abandonment. It demonstrates Christ's full identification with human experience, even to the point of existential questioning, yet ultimately points to the Father's ultimate victory through resurrection.
### Summary
G2444 (ἱνατί, *hinatí*) is a powerful Greek interrogative adverb meaning "why?" or "for what reason/purpose?" Formed from the elements of purpose (ἵνα) and inquiry (τίς), it probes beyond mere occurrence to the underlying rationale or teleology of an event. Its biblical occurrences are diverse, ranging from genuine bewilderment and rhetorical challenge to profound expressions of anguish and theological argumentation. Theologically, hinatí illuminates the human quest for understanding in the face of divine action, reveals God's deeper purposes, exposes human limitations, and most profoundly, encapsulates the cry of suffering humanity, even from the lips of Christ Himself. It is a word that invites contemplation on divine intentionality and the human search for meaning within God's sovereign plan.
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