Original Word: εἴγε
Part of Speech: Conditional Particle Or Conjunction
Transliteration: eige
Pronunciation: ā'-ghe
Phonetic Spelling: (i'-gheh)
KJV: if (so be that, yet)
NASB: inasmuch
Word Origin: [from G1487 (εἰ - if) and G1065 (γέ - indeed)]

1. if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise

if, yet.

From ei and ge; if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise -- if (so be that, yet).

see GREEK ei

see GREEK ge

1489 eíge (from 1487 /ei, "if" and 1065 /gé, "really, indeed") – properly, if indeed, really if. 1489 (eíge) emphatically introduces a qualified condition: "If at least," "If it be so . . . ".

Word Origin
from ei and ge
Definition
if indeed, seeing that, unless, with neg. otherwise
NASB Translation
inasmuch (1).

STRONGS NT 1489: εἴγε

[εἴγε, see γέ, 3 c.]

Overview

εἴγε functions as an intensive conditional expression, usually rendered “if indeed” or “since indeed.” It sets forth a proposition whose truth the writer assumes, yet still calls the reader to self-examination. The particle therefore combines assurance with exhortation, pressing the audience to live consistently with truths already embraced.

Pauline Usage

1. Ephesians 3:2

“Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you”.

Paul presumes his readers’ knowledge of his apostolic commission while highlighting its purpose: their inclusion in God’s grace. εἴγε invites them to recall that privilege and respond with grateful receptivity.

2. Ephesians 4:21

“Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him, in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus”.

Here the particle underlines the expected reality that believers have already encountered authentic Christ-centered instruction. Paul’s subsequent exhortations to put off the old self rest on this assumed foundation.

3. Colossians 1:23

“if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard”.

εἴγε links perseverance to the hope proclaimed in the gospel. Paul neither questions their standing nor treats perseverance as optional; rather, he declares its necessity as the evidence of genuine faith.

Theological Emphases

• Assurance Rooted in Reality

By prefacing statements with εἴγε, Paul affirms that God’s saving work and the readers’ initial response are authentic. The particle safeguards confidence while preventing presumption.

• Examination unto Perseverance

Each occurrence calls believers to verify that their conduct aligns with the grace received. Thus εἴγε joins justification and sanctification without contradiction, reinforcing the unity of doctrine and life.

• Christological Centrality

In both Ephesians references, “hearing” centers on Christ Himself. The particle underscores that all true instruction, privilege, and perseverance flow from union with Jesus.

Historical Reception

Early expositors such as Chrysostom read εἴγε as an “assuring if,” designed to stimulate diligence rather than doubt. Medieval commentators retained this balance, stressing the harmony of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Reformers appealed to the term in discussions of perseverance, noting that Paul’s confidence in God’s work coexists with pastoral warnings.

Ministry Implications

• Preaching

εἴγε encourages sermons that affirm believers’ identity while pressing them toward practical holiness. The preacher may say, “Since indeed you have heard Christ, live accordingly.”

• Discipleship and Counseling

The particle supports a pattern of gracious inquiry: “If indeed you know Him, how does that knowledge shape today’s choices?” It promotes pastoral care that rests on gospel facts yet lovingly probes for fruit.

• Apologetics

Because εἴγε presupposes the coherence of revelation, it models a reasoned appeal that takes the truth of the gospel as the baseline from which to address doubts.

Summary

εἴγε appears sparingly but strategically, offering conditional encouragement that is simultaneously affirming and searching. It anchors privilege in past grace, summons present fidelity, and anticipates future perseverance, all under the unchanging lordship of Jesus Christ.

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