### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle οὐκοῦν (oukoûn, `{{G3766}}`) is a compound word formed from the negative particle οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`, "not") and the inferential particle οὖν (oun, `{{G3767}}`, "therefore," "then"). This combination typically forms an interrogative particle that expects an affirmative answer, functioning much like an English "is it not therefore that...?" or "then, is it not so?" It is used to draw a logical conclusion or consequence from what has just been stated or implied, often with a rhetorical force that anticipates agreement. While interrogative in form, its force can sometimes be so strong as to become declarative, simply meaning "therefore," "hence," or "so," indicating a strong logical inference. It points to an inescapable conclusion or a logical next step in an argument.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
οὐκοῦν appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its presence is significant in the passages where it occurs, often highlighting a crucial point or a logical progression in dialogue.
1. **[[John 18:37]]**: Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you a king then?" (οὐκοῦν βασιλεὺς εἶ σύ;). This question comes immediately after Jesus' profound statement, "For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth." Pilate's use of οὐκοῦν indicates that he is drawing a logical conclusion from Jesus' preceding words. He is pressing Jesus to confirm or deny the implication of His self-declaration in the context of a worldly kingship. The particle underscores the tension between Jesus' spiritual kingdom and Pilate's earthly understanding of power. Pilate's question is not merely inquisitive but seeks an affirmation of a logical deduction.
2. **[[John 21:5]]**: Jesus asks the disciples after His resurrection appearance at the Sea of Tiberias, "Children, have you any fish?" (Παιδία, μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε;). While some manuscripts read οὐκοῦν here, the more widely accepted reading is μὴ (mē, `{{G3361}}`), which anticipates a negative answer ("You don't have any fish, do you?"). If οὐκοῦν were the reading, it would emphasize the logical consequence of their fruitless night of fishing: "So then, you have no fish, do you?" In either case, the question highlights the disciples' lack of success and sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous provision, demonstrating His divine knowledge and power.
3. **[[Luke 11:48]]**: Jesus confronts the Pharisees and lawyers, stating, "So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs." (οὐκοῦν μαρτυρεῖτε καὶ συνευδοκεῖτε τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν, ὅτι αὐτοὶ μὲν ἀπέκτειναν αὐτούς, ὑμεῖς δὲ οἰκοδομεῖτε αὐτῶν τὰ μνημεῖα.). Here, οὐκοῦν functions declaratively, drawing a forceful and inescapable conclusion. Jesus is not asking a question but stating a logical truth: their actions (building tombs for the prophets their fathers killed) logically demonstrate their complicity and approval of their fathers' deeds. It serves as a powerful indictment, showing the hypocrisy of their outward piety.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is οὖν (oun, `{{G3767}}`), the inferential particle from which οὐκοῦν is partly derived. οὖν itself carries the meaning of "therefore," "consequently," or "then," indicating a logical sequence or conclusion. οὐκοῦν adds the interrogative and often rhetorical force by incorporating the negative οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`).
Other interrogative particles include ἆρα (ara, `{{G686}}`), which introduces a simple question, and μὴ (mē, `{{G3361}}`), which introduces a question expecting a negative answer. οὐκοῦν is distinct in that it combines the inferential "therefore" with an interrogative force that usually expects an *affirmative* answer, or at least points to a logical deduction that is undeniably true.
The concept of rhetorical questions is closely tied to οὐκοῦν. Such questions are not asked to elicit information but to make a point, emphasize a truth, or draw the listener into agreement with a logical conclusion. This particle effectively serves as a tool for logical argumentation and persuasive discourse in the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The use of οὐκοῦν often serves to sharpen theological points by highlighting the logical implications of statements or actions.
In [[John 18:37]], Pilate's use of οὐκοῦν underscores the critical moment where earthly power confronts divine truth. His question, "Are you a king then?", attempts to frame Jesus' kingship within a political, human understanding. Jesus' subsequent response, "My kingdom is not of this world," directly addresses and redefines the premise of Pilate's οὐκοῦν-driven inquiry. This interaction reveals the profound difference between the kingdoms and the inherent tension between human and divine perspectives. It forces the reader to consider the true nature of Christ's sovereignty.
In [[Luke 11:48]], Jesus' declarative use of οὐκοῦν delivers a potent theological indictment. By stating, "So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your fathers," Jesus exposes the deep-seated hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Their outward show of honoring the prophets' tombs ironically serves as a logical testament to their complicity in the same spirit that led their ancestors to persecute and kill those prophets. This highlights the theological principle that true righteousness is not merely external observance but an internal disposition that aligns with God's will, convicting those who merely pay lip service while perpetuating unrighteousness.
### Summary
οὐκοῦν (oukoûn, `{{G3766}}`) is a significant Greek particle, formed from οὐ (not) and οὖν (therefore), primarily functioning as an interrogative that expects an affirmative answer or to draw a strong logical conclusion. Its core meaning encapsulates "is it not therefore that...?" leading to "hence" or "so." In its few but impactful occurrences in the New Testament, it serves to:
1. **In [[John 18:37]]**: Highlight Pilate's attempt to logically deduce the nature of Jesus' kingship, setting the stage for Jesus' clarification of His otherworldly kingdom.
2. **In [[Luke 11:48]]**: Deliver a forceful, undeniable indictment from Jesus, exposing the logical culpability of the religious leaders who, by their actions, approved of their ancestors' persecution of the prophets.
While a small word, οὐκοῦν subtly but powerfully shapes the dialogue and theological implications of the passages in which it appears, underscoring logical progression, rhetorical force, and the inescapable truth of divine revelation.
TRV