2229. é
Strong's Lexicon
é: or, than

Original Word:
Part of Speech: Particle, Disjunctive Particle
Transliteration: é
Pronunciation: ay
Phonetic Spelling: (ay)
Definition: truly, surely.
Meaning: The Greek particle ἤ is used to denote a choice or distinction between two alternatives, often translated as "or" in English.

Word Origin: A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent of the Greek particle ἤ is often the conjunction אוֹ (Strong's Hebrew 176), which also serves to present alternatives or choices, typically translated as "or" in English.

Usage: The particle ἤ is frequently used in the New Testament to present alternatives, choices, or contrasts. It can be found in questions, comparisons, and lists where options are being considered.

Context: The Greek particle ἤ (ē) is a fundamental conjunction in the New Testament, serving primarily to distinguish between two or more options or alternatives. It is a versatile particle that appears in various contexts, including rhetorical questions, comparisons, and logical distinctions.

In rhetorical questions, ἤ often introduces a second option that contrasts with the first, as seen in Matthew 6:25: "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Here, ἤ is used to emphasize the greater importance of life and the body over material needs.

In comparative contexts, ἤ can highlight a preference or superiority of one thing over another. For example, in Matthew 12:12, Jesus asks, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!" The use of ἤ underscores the greater value of human life.

Additionally, ἤ is employed in logical arguments to present mutually exclusive options, as in 1 Corinthians 6:16: "Or do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?" Here, ἤ introduces a critical point of consideration for the reader.

The particle is also used in lists to separate items, as seen in Romans 8:35: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" In this passage, ἤ is used repeatedly to list potential threats to the believer's relationship with Christ.

Overall, ἤ is a crucial particle in the Greek New Testament, facilitating clear communication of choices, contrasts, and logical distinctions.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
variant reading for ei, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2229: ἤ μήν

ἤ μήν, assuredly, most certainly, full surely (a particle used in asseverations, promises, oaths (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 53, 7 b.; Paley, Greek Particles, p. 38f)): Hebrews 6:14 R G; see εἰ, III. 9. (the Sept.; very often in classical Greek from Homer down.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
surely.

An adverb of confirmation; perhaps intensive of e; used only (in the New Testament) before men; assuredly -- surely.

see GREEK e

see GREEK men

Forms and Transliterations
η ημήν ήμην
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
2228
Top of Page
Top of Page