### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kán**, represented by `{{G2579}}`, is a particle formed from the words καί and ἐάν. It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses**, carrying conditional meanings such as **though**, **yet**, **if but**, or **at the least**. Its function is to introduce a condition, often an extreme or minimal one, to emphasize a greater truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2579}}` is used to frame powerful statements of faith and divine authority. It highlights the profound results that can stem from even a minimal act of faith, such as the desire to touch **if** it were **but** the **border** of Jesus' **garment** to be made whole [[Mark 6:56]]. It is also used to express unwavering conviction, as when Peter declares, "**Though** I should die with thee, **yet** will I not deny thee" [[Matthew 26:35]]. Jesus himself uses it to assert the truth of his testimony, stating, "**Though** I bear record of myself, yet my record is true" [[John 8:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related conditional particles help clarify the nuances of `{{G2579}}`:
* `{{G1437}}` **eán**: A conditional particle meaning "if" or "in case that," often setting a general condition for a promise or outcome, as in "If ye abide in me... it shall be done unto you" [[John 15:7]].
* `{{G1487}}` **ei**: A primary particle for "if" or "whether," used to propose a condition. It can appear alongside `{{G2579}}` to contrast different levels of belief [[John 10:38]].
* `{{G1490}}` **ei dè mḗ(ge)**: This phrase means "but if not" or "otherwise," and it is used to present an alternative consequence. It appears in direct contrast to `{{G2579}}` in the parable of the fig tree [[Luke 13:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2579}}` is significant, often underscoring the nature of faith and divine power.
* **Overcoming Impossible Conditions:** The word introduces scenarios that seem insurmountable to emphasize that God's power transcends them. This is most powerfully seen in Jesus' declaration that a believer, **though** he were **dead** `{{G599}}`, yet shall he **live** `{{G2198}}` [[John 11:25]].
* **The Sufficiency of Minimal Faith:** By signifying "at the least" or "if but," `{{G2579}}` shows that access to divine healing and power is not dependent on grand gestures. The hope that **at the least** the **shadow** `{{G4639}}` of Peter might pass over the sick demonstrates this principle [[Acts 5:15]].
* **Intensifying a Divine Promise:** The particle is used to push a condition to its extreme to illustrate the immense power available through faith. Jesus uses it to state that faith without doubt can command a mountain to be cast into the **sea** `{{G2281}}` [[Matthew 21:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2579}}` is a compact and potent word that adds emphasis to conditional statements. It serves to illustrate that divine promises hold true even in the most extreme or minimal circumstances. Whether describing the faith to touch the **hem** `{{G2899}}` of a **garment** `{{G2440}}` or the power to overcome death itself, **kán** frames key moments where human conditions meet the certainty of God's authority.
TRV