δή (dē)
dē
so
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The particle dē functions as a consecutive connector that tightens the link between statements. It does not merely join ideas; it adds weight and precision to what follows. Translators often render it as "so," "now," or "then," but its core role is to emphasize the logical flow or factual certainty of the clause.
It appears in contexts where a conclusion is drawn or an action is confirmed. For instance, in Matthew 13:23, it helps identify the seed that falls on good soil with specific clarity ("now this is he who..."). In Acts and Revelation, it frequently introduces a decisive moment or command, such as when Paul urges believers to act, giving the instruction a sense of immediate relevance and force.
The word likely stems from roots related to affirmation, reinforcing its role in stating something as true or settled. Unlike simple conjunctions that just sequence events, dē signals that the following information is particularly significant or exact. This emphasis helps readers grasp the intended weight of the statement without needing additional explanatory words.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek particle dē acts as a quiet but firm anchor in Scripture, signaling that what follows is settled fact or immediate reality. It moves the reader from general statement to specific application, ensuring we grasp the weight of God’s words without ambiguity. When you encounter this word, it often marks a moment where divine instruction becomes personal and actionable.
In your daily walk, this emphasis invites you to pay attention to the 'now' of God’s presence. It reminds us that spiritual truths are not abstract theories but living realities with immediate relevance. Whether in a command to act or a promise to hold fast, dē helps clarify that God’s word is precise and trustworthy, offering stability when life feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- indeed4×
- therefore1×
- then1×
- surely somewhere1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δὴ4×
- δή2×
- δήπου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:23
What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and produces, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.”
The word identifies the specific type of heart that truly understands and bears fruit, distinguishing it from other responses to the seed.
-
Luke 2:15
When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
It introduces the shepherds' decisive action to verify the angel's announcement, marking a shift from hearing to seeing.
-
Acts 13:2
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
The particle underscores the Holy Spirit's direct and authoritative command during worship, highlighting the immediate call to ministry.
-
Revelation of John 2:10
Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
It strengthens Jesus' warning about impending suffering, urging faithful endurance with a sense of urgent reality.