Conjunctions in New Testament Greek are essential connectors that join words, phrases, and clauses. They guide the logical flow of a sentence and shape the relationship between ideas. Greek conjunctions fall into two primary categories: coordinating (which link equal elements) and subordinating (which introduce dependent or subordinate clauses). Understanding these conjunctions is crucial for interpreting syntax, discourse structure, and theological nuance in the Greek New Testament.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more elements of equal syntactic weight: words, phrases, or independent clauses. They do not make one clause dependent on another. These conjunctions often indicate addition, contrast, explanation, or result.
1.1 Common Coordinating Conjunctions
| Greek | Function | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| καί | Addition | and, also, even |
| δέ | Contrast or mild continuation | but, and, now |
| ἀλλά | Strong contrast | but, rather |
| οὖν | Inference or conclusion | therefore, then |
| γάρ | Explanation or reason | for, because |
| ἤ | Alternative | or |
1.2 Example: Romans 6:23
Τὰ γὰρ ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιος…
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life…”
- γάρ introduces an explanation (“for”).
- δέ introduces a contrast (“but”).
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent (subordinate) clauses, indicating relationships such as time, cause, condition, concession, purpose, or result. These conjunctions establish a grammatical and logical hierarchy between clauses.
2.1 Common Subordinating Conjunctions
| Greek | Function | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ἵνα | Purpose or result | in order that, so that |
| ὅτι | Cause or content | because, that |
| ἐάν | Condition (with subjunctive) | if |
| ὅταν | Temporal (with subjunctive) | when(ever) |
| ἐπειδή | Cause | since, because |
| ἕως | Time, limit | until |
| καθώς | Comparison | just as, as |
2.2 Example: John 3:16
Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν… δῷ…
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His Son…”
- ὥστε introduces a result clause: “that He gave…”
3. Coordinating vs. Subordinating: Key Distinctions
| Feature | Coordinating | Subordinating |
|---|---|---|
| Clause Relationship | Equal clauses | One clause depends on another |
| Examples | καί, δέ, ἀλλά, οὖν, γάρ | ἵνα, ὅτι, ἐάν, καθώς |
| Function | Add, contrast, explain | Indicate purpose, cause, time, condition |
| English Parallel | and, but, for | if, because, so that |
4. Theological and Interpretive Implications
The use of conjunctions in the Greek New Testament affects both grammar and meaning:
- Doctrinal clarity: Conjunctions like ἵνα may signal divine purpose (e.g., “that you may believe”).
- Logical flow: γάρ and οὖν show the reasoning behind a statement or conclusion.
- Conditional warnings or promises: ἐάν clauses express contingency (“if anyone sins…”).
Careful attention to the conjunctions chosen by New Testament authors illuminates the rhetorical shape of their arguments and the subtleties of theological exposition.
5. Small Connectors, Big Meaning
Greek conjunctions are often short and seemingly minor words, yet they serve as the glue holding together the logic, flow, and theology of the New Testament text. Whether linking major arguments or qualifying a promise, their function is never random. The difference between καί and ἀλλά, or ἵνα and ὅτι, can mark significant shifts in emphasis and meaning. A reader who attends to conjunctions reads not just the words, but the reasoning of the inspired authors.
