Brief Overview of πλήν (Strong’s G4133: plēn)

Strong’s G4133: A particle meaning “however, nevertheless, but,” used to introduce an exception or contrast. In ancient Greek, it marked important transitions or qualifications. In New Testament usage, it often introduces significant theological statements or moral imperatives following broader discussions.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλήν serves as a crucial discourse marker in Scripture, often introducing important qualifications or contrasts to previous statements. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in Jesus’s teachings to emphasize key points or introduce moral imperatives. Early church fathers recognized its significance in marking crucial theological distinctions and ethical applications. Today, it helps us identify important transitions and emphases in biblical text, particularly where theological principles meet practical application.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλήν, plēn, /plane/
• Detailed pronunciation: plane (rhymes with “rain”)
• Part of Speech: Particle/Conjunction/Preposition

Etymology:

• Root: πλη- (plē-) possibly related to “fullness” or “completion”
• Basic particle form without additional elements
• Possibly related to πλέον (pleon), “more”

D – Defining Meanings

• Nevertheless
• However
• Except, besides

For compound words: Not a compound word, functions as basic particle

Translation Options:

• However – Emphasizes contrast
• Nevertheless – Stronger adversative force
• Besides – When introducing additional consideration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀλλά (alla) /al-LAH/ – but, stronger adversative
  See G235
• δέ (de) /deh/ – but, and, lighter contrast
  See G1161

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Particle Features:

• Indeclinable
• Functions as:
• Adversative conjunction
• Preposition (with genitive)
• Discourse marker

No morphological changes as it’s indeclinable

• Cross-references to related discourse markers

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in discourse organization. Thayer’s notes its varied usage as conjunction and preposition. LSJ documents extensive usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its importance in Jesus’s teachings. Strong’s connects it to exception marking. LEH provides Septuagint usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Nevertheless I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.” Matthew 11:22

Additional References:
Matthew 11:24, Luke 6:24, Luke 10:11, Luke 10:14, Luke 13:33, Philippians 3:16, Philippians 4:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλήν helps us identify crucial transitions in Scripture, particularly where theological truth meets practical application. It often marks where Jesus or the apostles move from general principles to specific imperatives, reminding us that the gospel demands both understanding and response.

D – Did You Know?

1. This particle appears significantly more in Luke than other gospels.
2. Early Christian writers used it to mark important doctrinal distinctions.
3. It often introduces climactic statements in Jesus’s teachings.

Strong’s G4133: A versatile particle marking contrast, exception, or transition, particularly significant in introducing important theological statements or moral imperatives. Functions as conjunction, preposition, and discourse marker in New Testament Greek.

Part of speech: Particle/Conjunction/Preposition

Tags: transitions, contrast, discourse markers, Jesus’s teachings, Luke, Paul’s epistles, biblical Greek, conjunctions, qualifications, theological distinctions, moral imperatives, emphasis​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​