Lexical Summary ei kai: even if, although Original Word: εἰ καί 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 Originfrom 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). Old Testament Foundations The Septuagint repeatedly employs concessive conditions to contrast human uncertainty with divine constancy. 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. 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. 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. Interpreting Hypothetical Constructs 1. Identify the conceded possibility. Practical Takeaways for Believers • Adopt an “even if” resolve: worship is not contingent on circumstance. 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 ειLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance εἰδωλοθύτων — 3 Occ.εἰδωλόθυτον — 3 Occ. ἱερόθυτόν — 1 Occ. εἰδωλολατρία — 2 Occ. εἰδωλολατρίαις — 1 Occ. εἰδωλολατρίας — 1 Occ. εἰδωλολάτραι — 3 Occ. εἰδωλολάτραις — 2 Occ. εἰδωλολάτρης — 2 Occ. εἴδωλα — 3 Occ. εἰδώλων — 4 Occ. εἴδωλον — 2 Occ. εἰδώλου — 1 Occ. εἰκῇ — 6 Occ. εἴκοσι — 11 Occ. εἴξαμεν — 1 Occ. ἔοικεν — 2 Occ. εἰκὼν — 6 Occ. εἰκόνα — 10 Occ. εἰκόνι — 4 Occ. |