NAS Word Usage – Total: 6

1. if indeed, since, if after all

The Greek Language and the New Testament

The New Testament, predominantly written in Koine Greek, is filled with nuances that can be lost in translation. Koine Greek was the common dialect during the time of Jesus and the early Christian church. This Greek was relatively direct and functional, capable of expressing complex theological concepts in a straightforward manner.

Words and phrases in this ancient language often hold deeper meanings, shaped by cultural, historical, and religious contexts. Understanding these can help modern readers grasp the biblical messages more completely.

Breaking Down the Phrase: “Ei per”

The phrase “Ei per” is a combination of “ei” (εἰ), which typically translates to “if,” and “per” (a particle), which emphasizes the condition stated. Together, “Ei per” can be roughly translated to “if indeed” or “since”. This phrase sets up a condition that assumes or emphasizes the truth or reality of what follows.

Examples of “Ei per” in the New Testament

To fully understand “Ei per,” it is helpful to look at some specific passages where this phrase appears. Here are a couple of examples:

Romans 8:9

The Apostle Paul writes:

• “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

In this verse, “ei per” is translated as “if indeed”. Paul uses this phrase to assert a condition that he considers true for his audience – that they are in the Spirit because the Spirit of God dwells in them. The phrase “if indeed” amplifies the assumed truth of the condition.

1 Corinthians 15:15

Paul again uses this phrase in 1 Corinthians:

• “Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.”

Here, “ei per” is translated as “if in fact”. Paul is making a strong conditional statement about the resurrection of the dead, emphasizing the truth he wants to assert.

The Theological Implications

Understanding “Ei per” helps us see how biblical authors like Paul used language to affirm deep theological truths while presenting conditions and logical arguments. In Romans 8:9, for example, the use of “ei per” is a way of reinforcing the relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit, highlighting the assurance of their spiritual state.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:15, Paul’s use of “ei per” helps to convict the argument he’s building about the resurrection, reinforcing the factual basis of Christian belief.

How “Ei per” Shapes Biblical Interpretation

When interpreting biblical texts, recognizing phrases like “ei per” can deepen our understanding of the message. This phrase indicates not just a condition, but a condition assumed to be true or emphasized. This subtlety adds weight to the statements made by the New Testament writers.

For example, in pastoral teaching or personal study, pointing out the “ei per” phrase can help believers see the strength of the Apostle’s conviction and the reality of the conditions he assumes.

Applying This Understanding in Modern Reading

Today, while most readers rely on translations, recognizing these Greek phrases can still be useful. It can encourage deeper dives into study tools or original language references. Bible study resources like lexicons or interlinear Bibles can show where phrases like “ei per” appear in the text, helping readers to appreciate the emphases and affirmations made by authors like Paul.

Additionally, this understanding can inform preaching and teaching, offering a richer, more precise interpretation of the scriptures.

Conclusion

Exploring the phrase “Ei per” in the context of the Bible reveals much about the precision and emphasis employed by the New Testament writers. Understanding its meaning as “if indeed” or “since” shows us the assured nature of the statements and conditions put forward in the scriptures. By studying these nuances, both theological scholars and everyday readers can gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the biblical text, enhancing their spiritual knowledge and faith.