Brief Overview of εἴ περ (Strong’s G1512: ei per)

Introduction:

The Greek phrase εἴ περ (ei per) plays a subtle but significant role in Biblical studies, particularly in interpreting the nuances of conditional statements in the New Testament. Understanding such phrases is crucial because they often carry theological implications or serve to emphasize specific conditions or assertions. The phrase εἴ περ, typically translated as “if indeed” or “if truly,” appears in contexts that underscore the certainty or reality of a condition or statement. By examining εἴ περ, we gain deeper insights into the logical and rhetorical strategies of ancient Greek writers, including those of the New Testament.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἴ περ (ei per) [ay per]
• Etymology: A combination of εἴ (ei), meaning “if,” and περ (per), an emphatic particle used to strengthen the condition.
• Part of Speech: Conjunction
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• If indeed
• If truly
• Since

Similar Words:

• εἰ (ei) [ay]: The simple form of “if,” used to introduce a condition without the added emphasis.
• ἐάν (ean) [eh-AHN]: A conditional particle meaning “if,” often introducing a more general or uncertain condition.
• εἰ μή (ei mē) [ay may]: Meaning “except” or “unless,” this phrase is used to introduce an exception or condition under which the main statement does not apply.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἴ περ is a fixed phrase, with περ functioning as an intensifier, adding emphasis to the condition set by εἴ. The phrase does not change form based on tense, mood, or voice.
• Usage in Sentences: εἴ περ is used to affirm the reality or certainty of a condition, often introducing statements that the speaker assumes to be true or wants to emphasize strongly.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes εἴ περ as a conjunction used to affirm the reality or certainty of a condition. It often introduces statements that are not merely hypothetical but are assumed to be true, with the speaker using περ to strengthen the assertion.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the emphatic nature of περ in this phrase, noting that εἴ περ is used when the speaker wants to underline the truth or reality of a condition. Thayer’s also discusses how this phrase differs from the simple εἴ by adding a layer of rhetorical force.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἴ περ in the context of conditional statements, noting that it is used to convey a sense of assurance or confidence in the truth of the condition. Vine’s also highlights its use in theological statements where certainty is emphasized.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἴ περ to classical Greek usage, where it was commonly employed in both rhetorical and philosophical texts to affirm the reality of a condition or statement. LSJ notes that περ adds a layer of emphasis, making the condition seem more likely or certain.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἴ περ as “if indeed” or “if truly,” emphasizing its role in introducing conditions with a sense of certainty or emphasis. Strong’s highlights its importance in understanding the nuances of New Testament Greek, particularly in passages where the reality of a condition is being stressed.

Scripture References:

• Romans 8:9: “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed (εἴ περ) the Spirit of God lives in you.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:3: “Because we will be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life, if indeed (εἴ περ) it is true that we have not been found naked.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἴ περ (G1512: ei per)

The Greek phrase εἴ περ (ei per), meaning “if indeed” or “if truly,” is a key conjunction in the New Testament used to emphasize the reality or certainty of a condition. It combines the simple conditional εἴ with the intensifier περ, adding rhetorical force to the statement. This phrase is often found in contexts where the speaker is asserting the truth or likelihood of a condition, making it an important tool for conveying emphasis in theological and philosophical discussions. Understanding εἴ περ helps illuminate the nuanced logic and rhetorical strategies of ancient Greek writers, both in the New Testament and in classical literature.

Did You Know?

The particle περ, when combined with εἴ to form εἴ περ, serves as a powerful rhetorical tool in both classical and biblical Greek. In philosophical texts, such as those of Plato and Aristotle, this combination is used to assert the truth of a condition with greater confidence, making it an essential part of Greek rhetoric and logic. In the New Testament, εἴ περ is often used in theological statements to emphasize the certainty of God’s promises or the reality of spiritual truths.