1499. ei kai
Lexical Summary
ei kai: even if, although

Original Word: εἰ καί
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: ei kai
Pronunciation: ā kī
Phonetic Spelling: (i kahee)
KJV: if (that), though
Word Origin: [from G1487 (εἰ - if) and G2532 (καί - also)]

1. if also (or even)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
if that, though.

From ei and kai; if also (or even) -- if (that), though.

see GREEK ei

see GREEK kai

HELPS Word-studies

1499 ei kaí (from 1487 /ei, "if" and 2532 /kaí, "even, and") – properly, "if also," "even if," "if indeed," "even though."

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from ei and kai, q.v.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

The expression rendered “even if” or “if indeed” functions as a concessive conditional. It introduces a hypothetical situation—often unlikely or undesirable—only to affirm a greater certainty or truth that follows. Although the exact collocation catalogued under Strong’s Greek 1499 does not occur in the extant New Testament text, the rhetorical force conveyed by “even if” pervades Scripture through closely related constructions. Understanding this device sharpens our perception of God’s covenant faithfulness, the believer’s steadfastness, and the inviolability of divine promises.

Conditional Concession in Biblical Thought

1. It highlights unwavering commitment (for example, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s declaration, “But even if He does not rescue us,” Daniel 3:18).
2. It underscores the reliability of God despite human frailty (“If we are faithless, He remains faithful,” 2 Timothy 2:13).
3. It deepens exhortations to perseverance amid suffering (“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed,” 1 Peter 3:14).
4. It magnifies sacrificial devotion (Paul writes, “Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering,” Philippians 2:17).

Old Testament Foundations

The Septuagint repeatedly employs concessive conditions to contrast human uncertainty with divine constancy.
• Job maintains integrity: “Even if He slays me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15).
• Jonathan affirms covenant loyalty: “If it pleases my father to harm you, may the LORD deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely” (1 Samuel 20:13).

Such passages provided the early church with a linguistic and theological template for uncompromising trust.

New Covenant Echoes

While the precise form catalogued under 1499 does not appear, synonymous New Testament phrases convey the same force.
• Peter calls believers to courageous witness (1 Peter 3:14).
• Paul models joyful self-giving (Philippians 2:17).
• The author of Hebrews contrasts the impermanence of creation with the permanence of Christ: “Even if they perish, You remain” (cf. Hebrews 1:11, drawing on Psalm 102).

These texts unite in presenting hypothetical adversity as a backdrop for certain hope in Christ.

Key Theological Themes

1. Immutability of God: hypothetical scenarios never threaten His character or promises.
2. Covenant Assurance: conditional clauses often introduce unchanging commitment—divine or human.
3. Discipleship Cost: “even if” underscores readiness to follow Christ regardless of outcome (Luke 14:26-33).
4. Apologetic Strength: by conceding extreme possibilities, Scripture demonstrates the robustness of its claims (Romans 3:3-4).

Historical and Patristic Witness

Early Christian writers adopted the same concessive style. Ignatius of Antioch testifies, “Even if I am poured out to the beasts, I will still be with God.” Such usage shows continuity between apostolic teaching and early church exhortation, reinforcing a theology of courageous fidelity.

Ministry and Homiletical Significance

• Pastors can employ “even if” texts to remind congregations that trials, though real, cannot annul divine promises.
• Counselors may guide believers to voice hypothetical fears honestly, then anchor assurance in God’s unchanging word.
• Evangelists can expose the futility of objections by granting them hypothetically yet showing Christ’s sufficiency (“What if some did not believe?” Romans 3:3).

Interpreting Hypothetical Constructs

1. Identify the conceded possibility.
2. Observe the main clause that follows; it usually contains the author’s true emphasis.
3. Note how the hypothetical intensifies, not weakens, the asserted truth.
4. Read within the larger covenant narrative: God’s faithfulness brackets every “even if.”

Practical Takeaways for Believers

• Adopt an “even if” resolve: worship is not contingent on circumstance.
• Let hypothetical fears drive deeper into Scripture’s certainties.
• Use concessive prayer: “Lord, even if…, yet I will trust You.”
• Encourage others by highlighting how biblical heroes faced the worst-case scenario with unwavering faith.

Conclusion

The concessive conditional encapsulated under Strong’s 1499, though absent in form from the Greek New Testament, permeates the Bible’s message. By yielding the ground of every conceivable adversity, Scripture proclaims that the word, character, and redemptive purpose of God stand firm forever.

Forms and Transliterations
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