Brief Overview of εἶτα (Strong’s G1534: eita)

Introduction

The study of Greek words in Biblical texts offers profound insights into the nuances of meaning that are often lost in translation. One such word is εἶτα (eita), a small but significant adverb used in the New Testament. Understanding εἶτα is crucial for interpreting the sequential flow and logical connections within passages. This word is often translated as “then” or “next,” and its proper interpretation can clarify the order of events or arguments in a text. Beyond its biblical usage, εἶτα also provides a glimpse into the thought processes of ancient Greek speakers, shedding light on how they structured narratives and reasoning. Its relevance spans both New Testament interpretation and the broader context of ancient Greek culture, making it an essential term for students of biblical Greek.

Key Information

Greek Word: εἶτα (eita) [EE-tah]
Etymology:
Rooted in the Greek word εἶθι (eithi), which carries a similar meaning of “then” or “next.”
Part of Speech: Adverb
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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Then: Used to indicate the next step in a sequence, whether in time, order, or logic.
Next: Suggests what follows immediately after a preceding action or statement.

Similar Words:

ἔπειτα (epeita) [eh-PEI-tah]: Also means “then” or “afterwards,” but with a stronger implication of something happening after a significant interval or consequence.
μετὰ ταῦτα (meta tauta) [meh-TAH TAHU-tah]: Literally meaning “after these things,” this phrase is often used to mark a new phase or development in a narrative.

Further Insights:

Morphology:
εἶτα is an adverb, which does not change form based on gender, number, or case. It functions primarily to connect ideas or events, indicating sequence without altering the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG describes εἶτα as an adverb that marks the next point in a sequence, often used in logical arguments to denote progression or in narratives to indicate the next event.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the temporal aspect of εἶτα, noting its frequent use in the New Testament to connect consecutive actions or events, especially in narratives that describe a series of occurrences.

Vine’s:
Vine’s highlights εἶτα as a transitional word that aids in the flow of discourse, often setting the stage for a new action or statement that builds upon what has just been mentioned.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides classical examples where εἶτα is used to connect statements in philosophical and rhetorical works, showing its role in structuring arguments and narratives in ancient Greek literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s points out the simplicity and frequency of εἶτα in the New Testament, underlining its importance in maintaining the coherence and order of narratives.

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 15:5-7: “and that he appeared to Cephas, then (εἶτα) to the twelve. Then (εἶτα) he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Hebrews 12:9: “Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of the Work	English Text
Plato	The Republic	“Socrates explained the principle, and then (εἶτα) turned to discuss its implications.”
Aristophanes	The Frogs	“First, we heard a loud noise, and then (εἶτα) the frogs began their chorus.”
Thucydides	History of the Peloponnesian War	“The city was fortified, and then (εἶτα) the troops were dispatched to the front lines.”

Summary of εἶτα (G1534: eita)

The Greek adverb εἶτα (eita) is a vital component in understanding the flow of events and logic within New Testament texts. It serves as a linguistic marker that indicates sequence, helping readers and listeners follow the progression of a narrative or argument. While seemingly simple, its role is crucial in ensuring clarity and coherence in communication. εἶτα not only enhances the readability of a text but also provides insight into the structure of Greek thought, both in the New Testament and in classical Greek literature. Its use is a testament to the precision and orderliness that characterized ancient Greek communication.

Did You Know?

The word εἶτα is one of the many small words in Greek that carry significant weight in the structure of discourse. It often appears in the writings of philosophers like Plato, where it is used to guide readers through complex arguments, showing how essential it was for clear and logical communication in ancient times.