from ὅς with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction):--from thence, (from) whence, where(-by, -fore, -upon).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hóthen**, represented by `{{G3606}}`, is an adverb or conjunction that signifies **from which place or source or cause**. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage points to an origin, whether it be a physical location, a logical premise, or a reason for an action, often translated as "whence," "wherefore," or "whereby."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3606}}` is used to connect a result to its origin or cause. It can indicate a physical point of departure, as when an unclean spirit states its intention to "return unto my house from **whence** I came out" [[Matthew 12:44]]. It is also used to establish a logical conclusion, demonstrating why an action was necessary, as in, "**Wherefore** in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren" [[Hebrews 2:17]]. In other instances, it points to the evidence from which a conclusion is drawn, such as the appearance of many antichrists, "**whereby** we know that it is the last time" [[1 John 2:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concepts of source, cause, and effect associated with `{{G3606}}`:
* `{{G1831}}` **exérchomai** (to issue): This word for coming out of a place is often the action from which `{{G3606}}` points. Christ uses it to describe His divine origin, stating, "I **proceeded forth** and came from God" [[John 8:42]].
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (to "know"): This verb often appears as the result of a reason introduced by `{{G3606}}`. True knowledge is a core theme connected to understanding God's truth, as in "ye shall **know** the truth" [[John 8:32]].
* `{{G4334}}` **prosérchomai** (to approach): This word describes the act of coming to God. The ability to **come** boldly to the throne of grace is a key aspect of faith [[Hebrews 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3606}}` is seen in its role as a logical connector in key arguments, especially in the book of Hebrews.
* **The Rationale for the Incarnation:** `{{G3606}}` establishes the logical necessity for Christ to be made like His brethren, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest [[Hebrews 2:17]].
* **The Ground of Eternal Salvation:** The word connects Christ's perpetual intercession directly to His power to save. **Wherefore**, because He ever lives to make intercession, He is able to save to the uttermost [[Hebrews 7:25]].
* **The Origin of a Biblical Type:** It identifies Abraham's recovery of Isaac as the event from **whence** he received him in a figure, a powerful symbol of the resurrection [[Hebrews 11:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3606}}` is more than a simple locator; it is a word of logic and consequence. It functions as a bridge, linking a cause to its effect, a premise to its conclusion, and a source to its outcome. Whether indicating the physical house an unclean spirit came from [[Matthew 12:44]], the theological reason for Christ’s incarnation [[Hebrews 2:17]], or the figurative origin of the resurrection promise [[Hebrews 11:19]], **hóthen** provides the "why" and "from where" that underpins critical scriptural truths.
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