εἶτα (eita)
eita
then
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb eita serves as a simple marker of sequence, translating most naturally to "then" or "next." It appears fourteen times in the New Testament, linking events in a chronological chain. You encounter it frequently in the Gospel of Mark and John, where it moves the narrative forward from one action to the next.
For instance, in Mark 8:25, eita connects the second touch of Jesus’ hand to the man’s restored sight, showing the immediate result of that specific moment. In John 13:5, it follows the washing of the disciples' feet, marking the transition to the next part of the scene. It also appears in lists, such as Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15, where he enumerates appearances of the risen Christ.
While its primary use is temporal, eita can also function logically within an argument, meaning "therefore" or "furthermore." This dual role allows it to connect not just events in time, but ideas in a logical flow. Translators typically render it as "then," keeping the text straightforward and easy to follow without adding unnecessary complexity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eita simply means 'then' or 'next.' It acts as a bridge in the biblical text, connecting one event to the following one. You will find it often in the Gospels, where it helps move the story forward from Jesus’ actions to their results. For example, in Mark 8:25, it marks the moment after Jesus touches the blind man’s eyes, leading directly to his healing.
This simple word reminds us that God works in a sequence. He does not always act all at once; sometimes He moves step by step. In John 13:5, eita follows the washing of feet, showing how Jesus’ humble service leads into deeper teaching. It encourages patience, reminding us that every 'then' is part of a larger, purposeful plan.
When you read Scripture, notice how eita links our daily experiences to God’s eternal purposes. Whether in Paul’s lists of witnesses or James’ warnings about sin, this word shows that nothing happens in isolation. Each moment connects to the next, guiding us toward hope and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- then9×
- Then4×
- Furthermore1×
- After that1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἶτα15×
Key Verses
-
Mark 8:25
Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly.
This occurrence marks the immediate transition from Jesus' second touch to the man's full restoration of sight.
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John 13:5
Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Here it signals the shift from Jesus speaking to His physical act of washing the disciples' feet.
-
I Corinthians 15:5
and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
It connects the appearance to Cephas with the subsequent appearance to the twelve apostles in Paul's resurrection account.
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James 1:15
Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death.
This verse uses it to show the logical progression from lust conceiving to sin being born.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does εἶτα (eita) mean in the New Testament?
Where does εἶτα appear most frequently?
How is εἶτα different from other words for 'then'?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 7 books)
Mark 3 verses
They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word,…
Mark 4:28For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
Mark 8:25Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly.