Understanding γάρ (gar) Strong’s G1063: The Connective Conjunction that Reveals Divine Reasoning and Purpose

Pronunciation Guide: gahr (rhymes with “car” but with a hard ‘g’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1063: The Greek conjunction γάρ (gar) serves as a fundamental explanatory connector in biblical texts, introducing a reason or explanation for what was previously stated. It functions as the equivalent of “for,” “because,” or “since” in English, creating logical bridges between statements and revealing the divine reasoning behind scriptural truths. γάρ often signals that what follows provides the foundation or rationale for what precedes it.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Conjunction
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Used primarily in narrative, teaching, and epistolary contexts
• Functions as a coordinating conjunction connecting clauses and sentences
• Appears 1,067 times in the New Testament
• Often used in argumentative and explanatory discourse
• Cannot stand at the beginning of a sentence in classical Greek usage
• Typically placed as the second word in its clause (postpositive position)

γάρ Morphology:

• γάρ – invariable conjunction (not subject to declension or conjugation)

Origin & History

The conjunction γάρ has deep roots in ancient Greek literature, appearing abundantly in classical works from Homer onwards. In pre-biblical Greek, it functioned as a particle expressing assurance or certainty before evolving into its explanatory role. Aristotle employed γάρ extensively in his logical arguments to establish causal relationships between propositions, demonstrating its importance in Greek philosophical discourse.

In the Septuagint (LXX), translators used γάρ to render various Hebrew connectives, particularly כִּי (ki) and its related forms, which similarly express causality and explanation. This translation choice established a precedent for how Jewish writers conceptualized explanatory connections in Greek. The early Church Fathers, especially Origen in his “Hexapla” and Chrysostom in his homilies, paid careful attention to γάρ as a key interpretive marker, often noting how it revealed the underlying logic of apostolic teaching.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A conjunction introducing an explanation or reason for a preceding statement
• A particle indicating the grounds on which a statement is made
• A connector revealing underlying cause-and-effect relationships
• A discourse marker signaling supporting evidence or proof
• A logical link establishing the basis for previous assertions

γάρ Translation Options:

• “For” – The most common translation, useful when introducing straightforward explanations
• “Because” – Appropriate when the causal relationship needs emphasis
• “Since” – Helpful when temporal aspects of causality are relevant
• “Indeed” – Valuable when γάρ functions to confirm or strengthen a previous statement
• “You see” – Effective for capturing the conversational, explanatory tone in didactic passages

Biblical Usage

The conjunction γάρ appears with remarkable frequency throughout the New Testament, occurring over 1,000 times and playing a crucial role in the logical structure of biblical arguments. Its first appearance in Matthew 1:18 introduces the explanation for Yeshua’s miraculous conception, highlighting how γάρ often marks pivotal theological explanations. Paul employs γάρ extensively in his epistles, particularly in Romans, where it forms the backbone of his theological reasoning as he builds case upon case for the gospel message.

In narrative contexts, γάρ often introduces background information that helps readers understand the scenario more fully. In didactic passages, it reveals the divine reasoning behind commandments and teachings. The frequency and strategic placement of γάρ throughout the New Testament demonstrate the logical coherence of Scripture and how biblical authors carefully constructed their arguments to reveal divine truth through reasoned discourse.

• “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for [γάρ] that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'” Matthew 1:18-20
• “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for [γάρ] it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
• “For [γάρ] God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
• “For [γάρ] we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
• “For [γάρ] by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
• “For [γάρ] I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
• “For [γάρ] we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek rhetoric, particularly within the tradition of diatribe that Paul employs, γάρ played a crucial role in structuring persuasive arguments. Greek orators and philosophers relied heavily on this conjunction to maintain logical coherence in their discourses. The strategic placement of γάρ was considered an essential element of effective communication, helping audiences follow complex reasoning patterns.

The Jewish interpretive method of midrash, which explores the reasons behind biblical commandments and narratives, finds a natural expression through γάρ in Greek Jewish texts. This reflects how deeply embedded explanatory discourse was in Jewish thought. When first-century Jewish audiences heard or read γάρ in teachings, they would have recognized it as a signal to pay special attention to what followed, as it would reveal the underlying reasons for God’s actions or commands. This explanatory function perfectly suited the Jewish emphasis on understanding the “why” behind divine instructions, not merely following them blindly.

Theological Significance

The prevalence of γάρ throughout Scripture reveals a profound theological truth: Yahweh is a God who explains Himself. Unlike the capricious deities of ancient pagan religions, the God of Israel provides reasons for His commands, judgments, and promises. When Scripture uses γάρ to introduce divine explanations, it demonstrates that faith is not blind adherence but reasoned trust based on God’s revealed character and purposes.

In the New Testament, γάρ frequently introduces the theological foundations of salvation. The conjunction appears at pivotal moments in the gospel narrative, explaining why the Messiah came, suffered, died, and rose again. This pattern reveals that redemption itself follows a divine logic—a carefully reasoned plan rather than an arbitrary divine decision. When Paul writes “for all have sinned” and “for the wages of sin is death,” he uses γάρ to unveil the logical necessity of the cross, showing that God’s justice and mercy operate according to perfect wisdom. The conjunction thus serves as a window into the mind of God, inviting believers to not only know what God has done but to understand why He has done it.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of γάρ can transform how we read Scripture. When we encounter this small conjunction, we should pause and recognize that God is about to reveal His reasoning—inviting us into deeper relationship through understanding His purposes. Rather than skimming past these explanatory connections, we can use them as opportunities to align our thinking with divine logic and wisdom.

In our own spiritual conversations, we can follow the biblical pattern of not only sharing what we believe but explaining why we believe it. Just as γάρ builds bridges of understanding in Scripture, our testimony becomes more compelling when we share not only our faith but the divine reasoning behind it. This approach honors both the intellect God has given us and His pattern of revealing the “why” behind His truth and commands.

Related Words

• δέ (de, pronounced “deh”) – A conjunction expressing contrast or transition, often translated as “but,” “and,” “now,” or “then.” While γάρ explains or gives reasons, δέ moves the narrative forward or introduces a contrasting thought. See G1161
• οὖν (oun, pronounced “oon”) – A conjunction indicating inference or conclusion, typically translated “therefore” or “then.” Where γάρ looks backward to explain, οὖν looks forward to results or conclusions based on previous statements. See G3767
• ὅτι (hoti, pronounced “ho-tee”) – A conjunction that can introduce explanations similar to γάρ but also functions to introduce direct discourse or content clauses. While γάρ always introduces explanations, ὅτι has a broader range of uses. See G3754
• διότι (dioti, pronounced “dee-o-tee”) – A strengthened form combining διά (through) and ὅτι, meaning “because,” “for this reason,” or “therefore.” It expresses causality more emphatically than γάρ. See G1360
• καὶ γάρ (kai gar, pronounced “kigh gahr”) – A combination meaning “for indeed” or “for even,” which intensifies the explanatory force of γάρ alone. This construction adds emphasis to the explanation being provided. See G2532 + G1063

Did you Know?

• Did you know that γάρ never appears at the beginning of a sentence in classical Greek? This “postpositive” positioning (usually as the second word in its clause) was so firmly established that when New Testament authors occasionally placed γάρ first in a clause, Greek readers would have noticed this as a significant departure from convention, drawing attention to the explanation that followed.
• Did you know that the Gospel of John uses γάρ strategically to explain Yeshua’s motives and actions? John employs this conjunction approximately 65 times, often to provide insight into why Yeshua performed certain miracles or spoke particular teachings. This reflects John’s emphasis on not merely reporting what Yeshua did but explaining the divine reasoning behind His ministry.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses γάρ in formal and academic writing? While it has largely been replaced by διότι (dioti) and επειδή (epeidí) in everyday contemporary Greek, γάρ continues to appear in scholarly, legal, and ecclesiastical texts—a testament to its enduring precision in expressing explanatory relationships. When Greek Orthodox liturgies are celebrated today, congregants still hear γάρ in biblical readings and prayers, creating a living connection to the language of the New Testament.

Remember This

γάρ serves as a divine invitation to understand the mind of God, revealing that the Creator of the universe does not demand blind obedience but invites His children into the reasoning behind His perfect will.