Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for delving deeper into the meanings and contexts of the original texts. The Greek word ἕως (heos, Strong’s G2193) is particularly significant because it functions as a conjunction and preposition, commonly translated as “until” or “up to.” This term is used frequently in the New Testament to denote a point in time or a condition that persists until another event occurs. Its importance lies in its ability to shape the temporal or conditional nature of a statement, which is crucial for interpreting passages accurately and understanding ancient Greek thought and culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἕως (heos) [HEH-ohs]
• Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root yeu- meaning “to be together,” indicating an extent or duration of time.
• Part of Speech: Conjunction and Preposition; often used in temporal and conditional clauses.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Until: Marks the continuation of an action or state up to a certain point in time (e.g., “until the day comes”).
• Up To: Denotes the extent or limit of something (e.g., “up to the end”).
• While: Sometimes indicates simultaneous action or condition (e.g., “while he was speaking”).

Similar Words: μέχρι (mechri) [MEKH-ree], which also means “until” or “up to.” While both ἕως and μέχρι are used to mark the end of a period or action, μέχρι often emphasizes the limit or boundary more strongly, whereas ἕως can be more fluid and is used more frequently in a variety of contexts.

Further Insights: ἕως is versatile in Greek, functioning both as a conjunction and as a preposition. When used as a conjunction, it often introduces temporal clauses. As a preposition, it is typically followed by a genitive case to indicate the extent or duration of an action. Its usage in Greek emphasizes a boundary or limit in time or space. Below is a basic example of how ἕως functions in different grammatical structures:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἕως as a temporal marker meaning “until,” “up to,” or “while.” It is often used in temporal clauses to indicate the end point of an action or state. BDAG notes that the word frequently appears in both direct and indirect speech, and its usage is essential for understanding narrative flow and timing in the New Testament.
• Thayer’s: Highlights ἕως as a conjunction or preposition that means “until” or “up to.” Thayer emphasizes its importance in constructing time-related sentences, noting its use with the subjunctive to indicate potential future conditions or actions.
• Vine’s: Discusses ἕως in the context of temporal expressions, emphasizing its role in defining the duration of an action or state. Vine’s points out its usage in eschatological passages, where it often marks the transition from the present age to the coming kingdom.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a broader perspective on ἕως, highlighting its use in both classical and Hellenistic Greek. LSJ notes that while its primary sense is “until,” it also carries connotations of “while” in simultaneous actions, particularly in poetic or rhetorical contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἕως as a primary particle indicating time or place. Strong’s emphasizes its use in temporal clauses and notes its various New Testament appearances, illustrating how it is used to signal a specific point in time or condition.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 1:25 – “But he knew her not until [ἕως] she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
• Matthew 24:34 – “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until [ἕως] all these things take place.”
• Luke 13:35 – “Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until [ἕως] you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
• John 9:18 – “The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until [ἕως] they called the parents of the man who had received his sight.”
• 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until [ἕως] he comes.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἕως (G2193: heos)

The Greek word ἕως (heos, Strong’s G2193) is a fundamental conjunction and preposition in New Testament Greek, primarily translated as “until” or “up to.” Its usage is critical in both narrative and theological contexts, marking a point in time or a condition’s boundary. The flexibility of ἕως allows it to appear in various grammatical structures, making it essential for interpreting events’ timing and conditions in the New Testament. Additionally, its presence in classical literature and the Septuagint underscores its long-standing role in the Greek language for expressing temporal and conditional relationships.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἕως (heos) not only indicates time or extent but also appears frequently in prophetic and eschatological contexts? In these settings, it marks the transition between the current state and a future promise, such as the return of Christ or the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. This usage reflects its importance in conveying hope and anticipation in both scriptural and literary texts.