Brief Overview of Δέ (G1161: De)

De (pronounced deh, δέ) is a Greek conjunction found under Strong’s Concordance number G1161. The word De is a common connective particle in Greek, often translated as “but,” “and,” or “now” in English. It is used to connect clauses or sentences, indicating a contrast, continuation, or transition in thought. The particle does not typically carry strong emphasis but serves as a subtle way to link ideas or introduce new information, often providing a smooth flow in the narrative or argument.

De is an essential component of Greek syntax, particularly in the construction of complex sentences. It can be used to introduce a slight contrast, as in “but,” or to continue a previous thought, as in “and.” The specific translation of De depends on the context and the relationship between the clauses it connects. In the New Testament, De is frequently used to maintain the flow of discourse, helping to structure the narrative or theological argument.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 4:4: “But (δὲ, de) he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘” Here, De introduces a response, contrasting Jesus’ statement with the preceding temptation by Satan.
2. Mark 1:8: “I have baptized you with water, but (δὲ, de) he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In this verse, De is used to introduce a contrast between John’s baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
3. Acts 2:14: “But (δὲ, de) Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.'” Here, De is used to transition to Peter’s speech, marking the beginning of a new section in the narrative.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), De is defined as a conjunction that generally functions to connect clauses or sentences, with translations ranging from “but” to “and” to “now.” BDAG emphasizes that the exact translation of De depends heavily on the context and the nature of the relationship between the connected clauses. The lexicon notes that De can introduce a mild contrast, continue a thought, or signal a new development in the narrative.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes De as a particle that serves to connect sentences and clauses, often translated as “but” or “and.” Thayer’s highlights the subtlety of De, noting that it is less forceful than other conjunctions like ἀλλά (alla, “but”) but still important for the flow of the text. The lexicon also discusses the flexibility of De, which can serve various functions depending on the syntactical structure of the sentence.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for De, describing it as a common particle in Greek used to connect thoughts and ideas. LSJ emphasizes that De is a versatile word that can convey contrast, addition, or transition, depending on the context. The lexicon also notes that De is frequently used in classical Greek literature, where its function is similar to that in the New Testament.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists De as a conjunction that is usually translated as “but,” “and,” or “now.” The concordance emphasizes the importance of De in structuring sentences and connecting ideas, noting that it is one of the most frequently used particles in the Greek New Testament.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

De is widely used in classical Greek literature, often functioning as a connector of thoughts, ideas, and actions.

1. Homer in “The Iliad” uses De to link sentences and maintain the flow of the narrative, often transitioning between the actions of different characters or introducing a new event in the story.
2. Herodotus in “The Histories” employs De frequently to connect historical events and provide continuity in his narrative, helping to guide the reader through complex sequences of events.
3. Sophocles in his tragedies uses De to introduce shifts in dialogue or to contrast characters’ actions and motivations, allowing for a more nuanced development of the plot.

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Summary

De (pronounced deh, δέ) is a Greek conjunction that plays a crucial role in the structure of sentences and the flow of discourse in both biblical and classical Greek texts. Derived from ancient Greek, De is used to connect clauses or sentences, often translated as “but,” “and,” or “now.” It functions to introduce contrast, continuation, or transition in thought, depending on the context. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the versatility and subtlety of De, noting that its exact meaning is determined by the surrounding text. In classical Greek literature, De is frequently used to link ideas and maintain narrative flow, serving a similar function as it does in the New Testament. The word De is essential for understanding the logical and rhetorical structure of Greek sentences, making it a fundamental element of the language.