Sacred Connection: τέ (Strong’s G5037: te) Unites Divine Truths

Strong’s G5037: A conjunction meaning both or and, used to connect related ideas, events, or concepts in Scripture. Often appearing in pairs or sequences, it helps articulate complex theological relationships and the comprehensive nature of God’s work, binding together divine truths with subtle emphasis.

U- Unveiling the Word

Τέ serves as a vital connective tissue in biblical Greek, joining related concepts while suggesting their inherent relationship. Unlike stronger conjunctions, it creates soft connections that imply natural association rather than strict logical sequence. In the New Testament, it often appears in passages expressing comprehensive aspects of God’s character or work, helping to articulate the fullness of divine truth. Early church fathers utilized this particle to express the subtle relationships between theological concepts. Today, understanding τέ helps us appreciate the nuanced connections in biblical teaching and the comprehensive nature of God’s revelation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τέ, te, /teh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: teh (as in “tell” without the “l”)
• Part of Speech: Conjunction/Particle

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *kʷe (and)
• Related to Latin -que
• Preserved as enclitic particle

D – Defining Meanings

• And
• Both
• And also
• Not only…but also

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple particle

Translation Options:

• And – Most basic connective function
• Both/and – When used in pairs
• As well as – Emphasizing addition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καί (kai) /kai/ – And, even, also (stronger connection)
  See G2532
• δέ (de) /deh/ – But, and, now (contrastive)
  See G1161
• οὖν (oun) /oon/ – Therefore, then
  See G3767

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a particle/conjunction, τέ:

• Remains unchanged in form
• Usually postpositive (comes after first word in its clause)
• Often pairs with other particles (τέ…καί, τέ…τέ)
• Functions as an enclitic (loses accent to previous word)

Common combinations:

• τέ καί (both and)
• τέ…τέ (both…and)
• οὔτε (and not, neither)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal τέ’s subtle but significant role. BDAG emphasizes its function in connecting related items or concepts. Thayer’s notes its use in expressing natural or logical association. LSJ documents its classical usage in various combinations. Vine’s highlights its importance in expressing comprehensive relationships. Strong’s connects it to concepts of addition and completion. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in connecting related ideas in everyday language. LEH discusses its appearance in Septuagint passages expressing completeness or fullness.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 22:10: “So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.”

Additional References:
Acts 1:1, Acts 2:9, Romans 1:12, Hebrews 4:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Iliad	“Both gods and men gathered for council”
Plato: Republic	“Justice benefits both the soul and the state”
Thucydides: History	“They prepared both ships and soldiers”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Τέ beautifully illustrates how divine truth often comes in connected pairs or sets, helping us understand the comprehensive nature of God’s work and character. Its subtle connecting force reminds us that spiritual realities often come as integrated wholes rather than isolated parts. The good news of King Jesus is seen in how this word helps express the fullness of His work – He is both Lord and Savior, offering both grace and truth, bringing both salvation and transformation.

D – Did You Know?

1. One of the most frequent particles in the New Testament
2. Often used in Acts to connect geographical locations in mission narratives
3. Appears frequently in early Christian creeds linking divine attributes

Strong’s G5037: A conjunction used to connect related ideas, events, or concepts in Scripture. Often appearing in pairs or sequences, it helps articulate complex theological relationships and the comprehensive nature of God’s work, binding together divine truths with subtle emphasis.

Part of speech: Conjunction/Particle

Tags: grammar, connection, relationship, fullness, completeness, pairs, conjunction, particle, syntax, comprehensiveness, unity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​