1161. de
Lexical Summary
de: but, and, now, moreover

Original Word: δέ
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: de
Pronunciation: deh
Phonetic Spelling: (deh)
KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now
NASB: now, yet, so, however, or, then, even
Word Origin: [a primary particle (adversative or continuative)]

1. but, and, etc.
{(often unexpressed in English)}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
also, and, but, moreover, now.

A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc. -- also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).

HELPS Word-studies

1161 (a conjunction) – moreover, indeed now . . . , on top of this . . . , next . . .

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
but, and, now, (a connective or adversative particle)
NASB Translation
after (2), also (2), another* (8), even (4), even though (1), former* (1), however (6), moreover (1), moreover* (1), nevertheless (1), now (267), or (6), other (1), other hand (4), others* (3), partly (1), rather (1), so (12), suppose* (1), then (6), therefore (1), though (1), what (1), when (3), whereas (2), yes (1), yet (25).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1161: δέ

δέ (related to δή, as μέν to μήν, cf. Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 355), a particle adversative, distinctive, disjunctive, but, moreover (Winers Grammar, § 53, 7 and 10, 2); it is much more frequent in the historical parts of the N. T. than in the other books, very rare in the Epistles of John and the Apocalypse. (On its general neglect of elision (when the next word begins with a vowel) cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 96; WHs Appendix, p. 146; Winers Grammar, § 5, 1a.; Buttmann, p. 10f) It is used:

1. universally, by way of opposition and distinction; it is added to statements opposed to a preceding statement: ἐάν ὀφθαλμός κτλ. Matthew 6:23; ἐλεύσονται δέ ἡμέραι, Mark 2:20; it opposes persons to persons or things previously mentioned or thought of — either with strong emphasis: ἐγώ δέ, Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44; ἡμεῖς δέ, 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 10:13; σύ δέ, Matthew 6:6; ὑμεῖς δέ, Mark 8:29; οἱ δέ υἱοί τῆς βασιλείας, Matthew 8:12; αἱ ἀλώπεκες ... δέ υἱός τοῦ ἀνθρώπου Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58; πᾶς λαός ... οἱ δέ φαρισαῖοι, Luke 7:29f; δέ πνευματικός, 1 Corinthians 2:15, and often; — or with a slight discrimination, δέ, αὐτός δέ: Mark 1:45; Mark 5:34; Mark 6:37; Mark 7:6; Matthew 13:29, 37, 52; Matthew 15:23ff; Luke 4:40, 43; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:8; Luke 8:10, 54; Luke 15:29; οἱ δέ, Matthew 2:5; Mark 3:4; Mark 8:28, etc., etc.; with the addition also of a proper name, as δέ Ἰησοῦς: Matthew 8:22 (Tdf. omits Ἰησοῦς); (R G Tr brackets); (Tdf. omits Ἰησοῦς); ; Mark 1:41 (R G L marginal reading Tr marginal reading); ἀποκροκριθεις δέ () Σίμων, Luke 7:43 R G L brackets; δέ Μαρία, Luke 2:19, etc.

2. μέν ... δέ, see μέν.

3. after negative sentences, but, but rather (German wohlaber): Matthew 6:19f (μή θησαυρίζετε ... θησαυρίζετε δέ); f; Acts 12:9, 14; Romans 3:4; Romans 4:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (not Rec.); Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 2:5; Hebrews 4:13, 15; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:26; Hebrews 12:13; 1 Peter 1:12 (οὐχ ἑαυτοῖς ὑμῖν (Rec. ἡμῖν) δέ); James 1:13; James 2:11.

4. it is joined to terms which are repeated with a certain emphasis, and with such additions as tend to explain and establish them more exactly; in this use of the particle we may supply a suppressed negative clause and give its force in English by inserting I say, and that, so then, etc.): Romans 3:21f (not that common δικαιοσύνη which the Jews boasted of and strove after, but δικαιοσυνεσς ... διά πίστεως); Romans 9:30; 1 Corinthians 2:6 (σοφίαν δέ οὐ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου); Galatians 2:2 (I went up, not of my own accord, but etc.); Philippians 2:8; cf. Klotz ad Dev. ii. 2, p. 361f; L. Dindorf in Stephanus Thesaurus ii. col. 928; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 443 (412)).

5. it serves to mark a transition to something new (δέ metabatic); by this use of the particle, the new addition is distinguished from and, as it were, opposed to what goes before: Matthew 1:18; Matthew 2:19; Matthew 10:21; Luke 12:13; Luke 13:1; John 7:14, 37; Acts 6:1; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 8:1, etc., etc.; so also in the phrase ἐγένετο δέ, see γίνομαι, 2 c.

6. it introduces explanations and separates them from the things to be explained: John 3:19; John 6:39; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 7:6, 29; Ephesians 5:32, etc.; — especially remarks and explanations intercalated into the discourse, or added, as it were, by way of appendix: Mark 5:13 (ἦσαν δέ etc. R L brackets); (R G); John 6:10; John 9:14; John 12:3; τοῦτο δέ γέγονε, Matthew 1:22; Matthew 21:4. Owing to this use, the particle not infrequently came to be confounded in the manuscripts (of secular writings also) with γάρ; cf. Winer on Galatians 1:11; Fritzsche on Mark 14:2; also his Commentary on Romans, vol. i., pp. 234, 265; ii., p. 476; iii., p. 196; (Winers Grammar, 452 (421); Buttmann, 363 (312)).

7. after a parenthesis or an explanation which had led away from the subject under discussion, it serves to take up the discourse again (cf. Winer's Grammar, 443 (412)): Matthew 3:4; Luke 4:1; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:2; Ephesians 2:4; cf. Klotz ad Devar. ii. 2, p. 376f.

8. it introduces the apodosis and, as it were, opposes it to the protasis: Acts 11:17 R G (1 Macc. 14:29; 2 Macc. 1:34); after a participial construction which has the force of a protasis: Colossians 1:22 (21); cf. Matthiae 2:1470; Kühner, 2:818; (Jelf, § 770); Klotz as above, p. 370f; (Buttmann, 364 (312)).

9. καί ... δέ, but ... also, yea and, moreover also: Matthew 10:18; Matthew 16:18; Luke 2:35 (WH text omits; L Tr brackets δέ); John 6:51; John 15:27; Acts 3:24; Acts 22:29; Romans 11:23; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 John 1:3; 2 Peter 1:5; cf. Klotz as above, p. 645f; Buttmann, 364 (312); (also Winer's Grammar, 443 (413); Ellicott on 1 Timothy 3:10; Meyer on John 6:51). ἐάν δέ yea even if: John 8:16.

10. δέ never stands as the first word in the sentence, but generally second; and when the words to which it is added cannot be separated, it stands third (as in Matthew 10:11; Matthew 18:25; Mark 4:34; Luke 10:31; Acts 17:6; Acts 28:6; Galatians 3:23; 2 Timothy 3:8, etc.; in οὐ μόνον δέ, Romans 5:3, 11, etc.), or even in the fourth place, Matthew 10:18; John 6:51; John 8:16; 1 John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 4:18; (Luke 22:69 L T Tr WH).

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 1161, δέ, appears approximately 2,810 times in the Greek New Testament. Though often rendered “but,” “and,” or “now,” its real force is to mark a transition—sometimes contrasting, sometimes sequential, always purposeful. Understanding its use helps modern readers trace the flow of biblical argument, narrative, and exhortation, revealing the inspired authors’ careful movement from one thought to the next.

Grammatical and Stylistic Function

• Post-positive conjunction: almost always the second word in its clause, allowing the initial word to carry emphasis while δέ quietly signals the relationship.
• Range of nuance: mild contrast (“but”), simple continuation (“and”), contextual spotlight (“now”).
• Rhythm and pacing: δέ punctuates sentences, producing the biblical writers’ characteristic cadence, especially evident when reading aloud in Greek.

Textual and Exegetical Significance

Failing to observe δέ can flatten a passage’s structure; noticing it often reveals:

1. A deliberate contrast of ideas (Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit…”)
2. A narrative pivot (Matthew 4:4, “But Jesus answered…”).
3. A soft transition that threads events together (Acts 2:43, “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.” The δέ that opens Acts 2:43 connects the wonder to the preceding fellowship without interrupting the flow).

Usage in the Synoptic Gospels

• Matthew often positions δέ to highlight messianic fulfillment. Matthew 1:18: “Now (δέ) the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.” The conjunction brings prophetic expectation directly into historical realization.
• Mark, known for vivid immediacy, uses δέ to slow his characteristic “immediately” (εὐθύς) pace, drawing attention to teaching moments (Mark 4:40).
• Luke balances historical narration and theological insight. Luke 24:38: “But He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled?’” δέ shifts from astonishment to assurance.

Usage in Acts

Acts employs δέ more than any other New Testament book. Luke uses it to:

1. Link geographic expansion: “But (δέ) you will receive power… and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
2. Signal fresh episodes within one speech or journey (Acts 16:40).
3. Contrast human decision with divine guidance (Acts 5:29).

Usage in Pauline Epistles

Paul’s logic turns on δέ to:
• Contrast flesh and Spirit (Romans 8:9).
• Transition from doctrine to doxology (Ephesians 3:20).
• Move from indicative to imperative (Colossians 3:1).

In Galatians 2:20 Paul places δέ twice: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but (δέ) Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up (δέ) for me.” Each δέ completes the gospel-centered contrast.

Usage in Johannine Writings

John prefers stark contrasts—light versus darkness, truth versus lie. δέ frequently marks these dichotomies:
John 1:12, “But (δέ) to all who did receive Him…”
1 John 1:7, “But (δέ) if we walk in the light, as He is in the light…”

In Revelation, δέ balances judgment with promise (Revelation 2:17).

Revelatory Pattern in Prophetic and Apocalyptic Texts

When δέ appears in quotations of Hebrew prophecy, it often mirrors the Hebrew waw-consecutive, maintaining narrative continuity while introducing climactic fulfillment (Matthew 12:17-18; Isaiah 42:1).

Theological Emphases Signaled by δέ

1. Grace over law: Galatians 3:11-12.
2. Life over death: Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but (δέ) the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. Hope over despair: 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
4. Divine initiative over human inability: Ephesians 2:4-5.

Preaching and Teaching Implications

• Observing δέ allows preachers to honor inspired structure, helping congregations follow the Spirit-intended flow.
• In counseling, δέ moments supply gospel “turning points”—moving from problem to provision.
• Bible teachers can train students to mark δέ in personal study, sharpening observation skills.

Historical Reception and Translation

Early English versions alternated “but,” “and,” and “now,” sometimes omitting δέ when English style seemed to require fewer conjunctions. Modern essentially literal translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, more consistently preserve it, aiding readers’ awareness of the inspired text’s connective tissue.

Summary

Although δέ is small, Scripture’s message travels on its hinge. Whether contrasting darkness with light, death with life, or law with grace, δέ steadily guides readers through revelation’s unfolding story, ensuring they neither miss a pivot of truth nor lose the narrative thread that binds Genesis to Revelation.

Forms and Transliterations
δ δ' ΔΕ δέ δὲ δι' καὶ τε d d' DE dé dè kai kaì te
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 1:2 Conj
GRK: Ἰσαάκ Ἰσαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Isaac; and Isaac begat
INT: Issac Isaac moreover was father of

Matthew 1:2 Conj
GRK: Ἰακώβ Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Jacob; and Jacob begat
INT: Jacob Jacob moreover was father of

Matthew 1:3 Conj
GRK: Ἰούδας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Judas begat
INT: Judah moreover was father of

Matthew 1:3 Conj
GRK: Θάμαρ Φαρὲς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: of Thamar; and Phares begat
INT: Tamar Perez moreover was father of

Matthew 1:3 Conj
GRK: Ἑσρώμ Ἑσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Esrom; and Esrom begat
INT: Hezron Hezron moreover was father of

Matthew 1:4 Conj
GRK: Ἀρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Aram begat
INT: Ram moreover was father of

Matthew 1:4 Conj
GRK: Ἀμιναδάβ Ἀμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat
INT: Amminadab Amminadab moreover was father of

Matthew 1:4 Conj
GRK: Ναασσών Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Naasson; and Naasson begat
INT: Nahshon Nahshon moreover was father of

Matthew 1:5 Conj
GRK: Σαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Salmon begat
INT: Salmon moreover was father of

Matthew 1:5 Conj
GRK: Ῥαχάβ Βοὲς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: of Rachab; and Booz begat
INT: Rahab Boaz moreover was father of

Matthew 1:5 Conj
GRK: Ῥούθ Ἰωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: of Ruth; and Obed begat
INT: Ruth Obed moreover was father of

Matthew 1:6 Conj
GRK: Ἰεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Jesse begat
INT: Jesse moreover was father of

Matthew 1:6 Conj
GRK: βασιλέα Δαυὶδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: David the king; and David the king
INT: king David moreover was father of

Matthew 1:7 Conj
GRK: Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Solomon begat
INT: Solomon moreover was father of

Matthew 1:7 Conj
GRK: Ῥοβοάμ Ῥοβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Roboam; and Roboam begat
INT: Rehoboam Rehoboam moreover was father of

Matthew 1:7 Conj
GRK: Ἀβιά Ἀβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Abia; and Abia begat
INT: Abijah Abijah moreover was father of

Matthew 1:8 Conj
GRK: Ἀσὰφ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Asa begat
INT: Asa moreover was father of

Matthew 1:8 Conj
GRK: Ἰωσαφάτ Ἰωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat
INT: Jehoshaphat Jehoshaphat moreover was father of

Matthew 1:8 Conj
GRK: Ἰωράμ Ἰωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Joram; and Joram begat
INT: Joram Joram moreover was father of

Matthew 1:9 Conj
GRK: Ὀζίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Ozias begat
INT: Uzziah moreover was father of

Matthew 1:9 Conj
GRK: Ἰωαθάμ Ἰωαθὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Joatham; and Joatham begat
INT: Jotham Jotham moreover was father of

Matthew 1:9 Conj
GRK: Ἀχάζ Ἀχὰζ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
INT: Ahaz Ahaz moreover was father of

Matthew 1:10 Conj
GRK: Ἑζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: And Ezekias begat
INT: Hezekiah moreover was father of

Matthew 1:10 Conj
GRK: Μανασσῆ Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Manasses; and Manasses begat
INT: Manasseh Manasseh moreover was father of

Matthew 1:10 Conj
GRK: Ἀμώς Ἀμὼς δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν
KJV: begat Amon; and Amon begat
INT: Amos Amos moreover was father of

Strong's Greek 1161
2810 Occurrences


δ' — 24 Occ.
δὲ — 2786 Occ.

1160b
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