from καί and ἐκεῖ; likewise in that place:--and there, there (thither) also.
Transliteration:kakeî
Pronunciation:kak-i'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κἀκεῖ (kakeî, `{{G2546}}`) is a compound adverb formed from the conjunction καί (kai, "and, even, also") and the adverb of place ἐκεῖ (ekei, "there, in that place, thither"). Its core meaning is therefore "and there," "there also," or "thither also." The combination emphasizes not merely a location but an addition or continuation *at* that location. It implies a connection to a previously mentioned place or action, suggesting that what happened or existed in one place extends or repeats itself in another. The semantic range is primarily locative and conjunctive, serving to link events or states across different geographical points.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κἀκεῖ appears frequently in the New Testament, often marking a transition or continuation in narrative accounts, particularly in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
* In the Synoptic Gospels, it is used to denote movement to a new location for a specific purpose. For instance, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructs his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over **there** and pray" ([[Matthew 26:36]]; cf. [[Mark 14:32]]). Here, κἀκεῖ signifies a deliberate, purposeful shift in location for a solitary act of prayer.
* In the book of Acts, κἀκεῖ frequently highlights the expansion of the early Christian mission. When Paul and Barnabas flee persecution in Iconium, they go to Lystra and Derbe, "and **there** they continued to preach the gospel" ([[Acts 14:7]]). Similarly, after encountering opposition in Thessalonica, the Jews follow Paul to Berea, "and **there** too, agitating and stirring up the crowds" ([[Acts 17:13]]). This demonstrates the persistent spread of both the gospel and the opposition it faced across different cities.
* The word can also describe a state or condition that holds true in a particular location. In Jesus' teaching on heavenly treasure, he states, "Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches **and** no moth destroys" ([[Luke 12:33]]). Here, κἀκεῖ reinforces the absolute security of the heavenly realm, where the absence of decay and theft is a fixed reality.
* In various other contexts, κἀκεῖ functions as a straightforward spatial connector, indicating where an action takes place following a prior event or journey, such as Paul's arrival in Tyre: "And **there** we found disciples..." ([[Acts 21:4]]).
Across its occurrences, κἀκεῖ consistently serves to propel the narrative forward by specifying the location where subsequent events unfold, often emphasizing the continuity of divine activity or human experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of κἀκεῖ are καί (kai, `{{G2532}}`, "and, also") and ἐκεῖ (ekei, `{{G1563}}`, "there"). Understanding these root words is crucial. καί provides the additive or connective force, while ἐκεῖ establishes the spatial reference.
Other related terms include:
* ὧδε (hōde, `{{G5602}}`): "here," serving as a common antonym or contrasting spatial reference to ἐκεῖ.
* ἐκεῖθεν (ekeithen, `{{G1564}}`): "from there, thence," indicating origin from a place rather than presence at it.
* ποῦ (pou, `{{G4226}}`): "where?" (interrogative adverb of place), which probes the location κἀκεῖ answers.
* The broader concept of *movement* and *geographical expansion* is intrinsically linked to κἀκεῖ, especially in the missionary narratives, highlighting the dynamic nature of the early church's outreach.
### Theological Significance
While κἀκεῖ is fundamentally a grammatical and spatial indicator, its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it is employed within the sacred narrative.
* **Pervasiveness of God's Activity:** The repeated use of κἀκεῖ in the Gospels and Acts underscores the pervasive and unconfined nature of God's redemptive work. Jesus's ministry was not limited to one village but extended "also there" to others. Similarly, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to proclaim the gospel "also there," in city after city, demonstrating that God's saving grace is not geographically bound but is intended for all places and peoples.
* **The Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel:** In the book of Acts particularly, κἀκεῖ often marks the relentless onward march of the gospel despite opposition. The apostles would preach in one place, face persecution, flee, and then immediately "and there" continue their evangelistic efforts. This highlights the divine impetus behind the mission, which no earthly obstacle could ultimately halt.
* **The Nature of Heavenly Reality:** In [[Luke 12:33]], κἀκεῖ contributes to the description of a heavenly reality that stands in stark contrast to the earthly. The security and permanence of "treasure in the heavens" are emphasized by the fact that "no thief approaches and *there* no moth destroys." This reinforces the theological concept of heaven as a place of perfect and eternal security, distinct from the perishable nature of earthly existence.
* **Divine Intentionality and Human Obedience:** Jesus's use of κἀκεῖ in Gethsemane ([[Matthew 26:36]]) illustrates a profound moment of intentionality and obedience, as he deliberately moves to a specific place for prayer before his crucifixion. This subtle spatial indicator points to the purposeful nature of Christ's actions and, by extension, the call for believers to follow where God leads, even to places of struggle or sacrifice.
### Summary
κἀκεῖ (kakeî, `{{G2546}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "and there," "there also," or "thither also," formed from καί (and) and ἐκεῖ (there). Though seemingly a simple spatial connector, its consistent use in the New Testament narrative carries significant weight. It effectively marks the continuation and expansion of events, particularly the ministry of Jesus and the missionary journeys of the apostles, demonstrating that divine activity and the proclamation of the gospel are not confined but extend to new locations. Furthermore, it highlights the secure and eternal nature of heavenly realities in contrast to earthly transience. The word, therefore, subtly but powerfully reinforces the pervasive presence of God, the unstoppable advance of His kingdom, and the intentionality of His divine plan unfolding across geographical space.
TRV