ἐπείπερ intensifies causal reasoning. Whereas ἐπεί (“since”) simply marks a ground, ἐπεί-περ adds the particle ‑περ to underline certainty: “since indeed,” “seeing that.” It presses an undeniable premise so that what follows becomes irresistible. When a writer wanted to move an argument from possibility to inevitability, this compound was an ideal tool.

Place within the Family of Greek Conjunctions

Scripture employs several related forms:

• ἐπεί (since)
• εἴπερ (if indeed)
• ἐπειδή (because, since)
• ἐπειδήπερ (since indeed, Luke 1:1)

Together they frame the logic of the Bible’s exhortations, doctrines, and narratives, moving from hypothesis (εἴ) to unshakable fact (ἐπείπερ). Although ἐπείπερ itself does not appear in the New Testament text, the inspired authors used its sister forms to accomplish the same rhetorical force.

Historical Usage Outside the New Testament

Greek historians such as Thucydides and philosophers like Aristotle employ ἐπείπερ to seal arguments:
• Thucydides, History 3.40 — “Since indeed (ἐπείπερ) we all know the danger…”
• Aristotle, Rhetoric 1.2.1 — “Since indeed (ἐπείπερ) persuasion is the function of rhetoric…”

By the first century this term was well recognized in the Hellenistic world. Luke’s sophisticated preface (Luke 1:1) chooses the slightly longer ἐπειδήπερ, reflecting the same elevated register. Early Christian apologists likewise borrowed ἐπείπερ to engage Greco-Roman audiences, showing that the faith answered every “since indeed” of human reason.

Conjunctions of Logical Certainty in Biblical Theology

The dynamics created by ἐπείπερ’s family members shape key doctrinal passages:

Luke 1:1 — “Since many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us…”

Romans 8:17 — “…heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him…”

Hebrews 2:14 — “Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity…”

In each case the Spirit-inspired writer secures the truth by appealing to a recognized fact (“many have undertaken,” “we are children,” “the children share flesh and blood”) and then unfolds the gospel implications. Though ἐπείπερ is absent by form, its force saturates the argumentation.

Implications for Preaching and Teaching

1. Drive application from certainty, not conjecture. A sermon that says, “Since indeed Christ is risen…” mirrors the biblical pattern.
2. Highlight the logical connectors in the text. Showing how a passage moves from premise to conclusion strengthens confidence in its authority.
3. Engage the listener’s conscience. The “since indeed” formula calls for a response because it admits no debate over the premise.

Apologetic Value

Because ἐπείπερ presumes an agreed-upon reality, it models respectful dialogue: establish common ground, then press the unavoidable conclusion of the gospel. Early Christians used it to reason with pagans about creation, resurrection, and judgment—areas where general revelation already supplied the premise (Acts 17:24-31 gives the pattern with different vocabulary).

Pastoral Reflection

The church often wrestles with doubt about God’s promises. Re-introducing the logic of “since indeed” lifts faith from uncertainty to assurance:

2 Corinthians 5:14 — “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all.”

Philippians 2:1 — “If you have any encouragement in Christ…” (Greek εἴ τις, yet functioning as a settled reality to Paul).

When believers see that Scripture argues from solid, Spirit-given certainties, their obedience becomes joyful and confident rather than hesitant.

Conclusion

Though ἐπείπερ never surfaces in the Greek New Testament, its rhetorical power stands behind many biblical affirmations. Recognizing that power sharpens exegesis, strengthens proclamation, and magnifies the God who grounds every command and promise in unassailable truth.