γάρ (gar)
gar
for
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1,027 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The conjunction gar serves as the primary tool for assigning reason or explanation in New Testament Greek. It signals that what follows is the cause, evidence, or clarification for what has just been stated. With over a thousand occurrences, it is one of the most frequent words in the text, appearing constantly in Matthew and Romans to connect ideas logically.
Its usage extends beyond simple causality. In questions and exclamations, it adds emphasis or confirms a conclusion, as when Peter asks why the sword was drawn in John 18:10 or when Jesus explains his authority in Matthew 9:5. It often introduces an epexegetic clause that unpacks the meaning of a preceding statement, such as clarifying the nature of true righteousness in Matthew 5:20.
Grammatically, gar typically follows the first word in its clause, a placement that highlights the specific term it modifies rather than just linking sentences. This structural feature allows writers to anchor their reasoning precisely to the concept being explained, making it an essential marker of argumentative flow in biblical texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word 'gar' is the humble connector that gives our faith its shape. It does not shout; it explains. When a biblical writer uses it, they are offering you the reason behind a command or the evidence for a promise. This small conjunction invites you to look closer at God's logic, turning abstract beliefs into grounded realities you can hold onto.
Consider John 3:16. The text says God gave His Son 'for' this purpose. Here, 'gar' links the magnitude of God’s love directly to the gift of eternal life. It reminds us that our hope is not a vague wish but a result of specific, historical action. We are invited to trust because there is a clear reason why we can.
In your daily walk, this word encourages patience and understanding. When Scripture calls you to repentance or love, 'gar' often follows with the 'why.' It assures you that God’s instructions are never arbitrary. They are rooted in His character and His care for you. This connection between action and reason helps anchor your heart in truth rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1,027 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for1004×
- For29×
- indeed20×
- for:9×
- for,3×
- truly2×
- though2×
- therefore2×
- however2×
- for;2×
- for.2×
- then?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γὰρ963×
- γάρ101×
- γάρ·11×
- γάρ,5×
- γάρ;1×
- γάρ.¶1×
- γάρ.1×
Key Verses
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse uses the word to link God's profound love directly to the act of giving His Son, showing that the gift is the evidence of that love.
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Matthew 1:21
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Here it explains the reason for Jesus' name by defining his mission to save people from their sins, grounding the title in purpose.
-
Matthew 3:2
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
The word provides the urgent reason for repentance, stating that the Kingdom of Heaven is already near and active.
-
Matthew 6:8
Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
It clarifies why believers should not use empty phrases in prayer, noting that God already knows our needs before we speak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word gar mean?
How is gar different from other words for 'because'?
Why does gar appear so frequently in Matthew and Romans?
Every Occurrence (1,027 verses across 27 books)
Matthew 128 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 1:21She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 2:2“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,
Matthew 2:6‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…
Matthew 3:2“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
Matthew 3:3For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the…
Matthew 3:9Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…
Matthew 3:15But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…
Matthew 4:6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 4:17From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who…
Matthew 5:18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke…
Matthew 5:20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 6:7In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much…
Matthew 6:8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:14“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:16“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…
Matthew 6:21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one…
Matthew 6:32For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Matthew 6:34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 7:2For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to…
Matthew 7:8For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:12Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:25The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded…
Matthew 7:29for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Matthew 8:9For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell…
Matthew 9:5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
Matthew 9:13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but…
Matthew 9:16No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse…
Matthew 9:21for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”
Matthew 9:24he said to them, “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” They were ridiculing him.
Matthew 10:10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Matthew 10:17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you…
Matthew 10:20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone…
Matthew 10:26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…
Matthew 10:35For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against…
Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…
Matthew 11:13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Matthew 11:18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
Matthew 11:30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 12:8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:33“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by…
Matthew 12:34You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth…
Matthew 12:37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the huge fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and…
Matthew 12:50For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Matthew 13:12For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken…
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…
Matthew 13:17For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t…
Matthew 14:3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
Matthew 14:4For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Matthew 14:24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 15:2“Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat bread.”
Matthew 15:4For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to…
Matthew 15:19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.
Matthew 15:27But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Matthew 16:2But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’
Matthew 16:3In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to…
Matthew 16:25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 16:26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange…
Matthew 16:27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give to everyone according to…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 17:20He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard…
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person…
Matthew 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of…
Matthew 18:11For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
Matthew 19:12For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by…
Matthew 19:14But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to…
Matthew 19:22But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 20:16So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 21:26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
Matthew 21:32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…
Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few chosen.”
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 22:28In the resurrection therefore, whose wife will she be of the seven? For they all had her.”
Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
Matthew 23:3All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and…
Matthew 23:5But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their…
Matthew 23:8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Matthew 23:9Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
Matthew 23:13“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers.…
Matthew 23:17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
Matthew 23:19You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 24:5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not…
Matthew 24:7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes…
Matthew 24:21for then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever…
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…
Matthew 24:27For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:28For wherever the carcass is, that is where the vultures gather together.
Matthew 24:37As the days of Noah were, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until…
Matthew 25:3Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them,
Matthew 25:14“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them.
Matthew 25:29For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he…
Matthew 25:35for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.
Matthew 25:42for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink;
Matthew 26:9For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.
Matthew 26:11For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.
Matthew 26:12For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
Matthew 26:28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
Matthew 26:31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike…
Matthew 26:43He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
Matthew 26:52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…
Matthew 27:18For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…
Matthew 27:23But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
Matthew 27:43He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…
Matthew 28:5The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.