Powerful Purpose: ὥστε (Strong’s G5620: hōste) Reveals Divine Consequence

Strong’s G5620: From hos and te, ὥστε is a conjunction linking cause and effect, expressing result or consequence. Used extensively in NT to show logical outcomes of God’s actions and teachings, bridging divine purpose with human response.

U- Unveiling the Word

Hōste serves as a crucial connector in New Testament Greek, functioning as a conjunction that introduces the consequences or results of previous actions or conditions. Its theological significance lies in demonstrating the divine cause-and-effect relationship in Scripture, particularly in showing how God’s actions and teachings lead to specific outcomes in believers’ lives. The early church utilized this word to emphasize the practical implications of faith, showing how divine truth necessarily leads to transformed lives. Today, it remains relevant in helping us understand the logical progression of God’s work in our lives and the natural outcomes of spiritual principles.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὥστε, hōste, /ˈhoːs.te/
• Detailed pronunciation: ho (as in “home”) + ste (as in “stay”)
• Part of Speech: Conjunction

Etymology:

• ὥς (hos) – relative adverb meaning “as, like”
• τε (te) – enclitic particle meaning “and, so”
• Combined to form a consequential conjunction

D – Defining Meanings

• To introduce a result or consequence
• So that, therefore, thus
• With the result that

For compound words:
ὥς provides the comparative element while τε adds the connective force, creating a word that links cause with effect

Translation Options:

• “So that” – Best captures the resultative nature
• “Therefore” – Emphasizes logical consequence
• “With the result that” – Most explicit about cause-effect relationship

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οὖν (oun, /uːn/) – therefore, consequently G3767 – more general inferential use
• διό (dio, /di.ˈo/) – therefore, for this reason G1352 – stronger logical connection
• ἄρα (ara, /ˈa.ra/) – therefore, then G686 – emphasizes logical conclusion

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a conjunction, ὥστε is indeclinable, meaning it doesn’t change form based on case, number, or gender. However, it’s important to note:

• Can introduce both infinitive and indicative constructions
• With infinitive: expresses natural or intended result
• With indicative: expresses actual result

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently highlight ὥστε’s role in expressing result or consequence. BDAG emphasizes its use with both infinitive and finite verbs, noting different nuances in each construction. Thayer’s highlights its development from Classical Greek through Koine. LSJ provides extensive classical examples showing its broad usage. Vine’s emphasizes its importance in expressing logical consequences in NT theology. Strong’s notes its frequency in consecutive clauses, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its common usage in everyday Koine Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that [ὥστε] the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. Matthew 8:24

Additional References:
Matthew 12:22, Mark 1:27, Luke 5:7, Acts 1:19, Romans 7:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The conjunction ὥστε plays a vital role in Biblical Greek by connecting divine actions with their intended results. It helps readers understand the purposeful nature of God’s work, showing how His interventions and teachings naturally lead to specific outcomes. This word reminds us that the gospel isn’t just about abstract truths but about real transformation. It demonstrates how King Jesus’s work necessarily results in changed lives and communities, emphasizing the practical impact of divine grace in human experience.

D – Did You Know?

• ὥστε appears over 80 times in the New Testament
• It’s one of the few conjunctions that can govern both infinitive and indicative constructions
• Classical Greek authors used it extensively in philosophical arguments to demonstrate logical consequences

Strong’s G5620: From hos and te, ὥστε is a conjunction linking cause and effect, expressing result or consequence. Used extensively in NT to show logical outcomes of God’s actions and teachings, bridging divine purpose with human response.

Part of speech: Conjunction

Tags: conjunction, consequence, result, purpose, logical-connection, divine-purpose, cause-effect, biblical-greek, new-testament, koine-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​