ἕνεκα (heneka, ehineken)
heneka, ehineken
because of
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The preposition heneka means "on account of" or "for the sake of," introducing the reason behind an action or state. It governs the genitive case, linking a cause to its effect in a straightforward way. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often highlighting the motivation for suffering or sacrifice.
A notable feature of heneka is its phonetic flexibility. While the standard form precedes consonants, it shifts to heneken or heineken before vowels, a variation rooted in Ionic Greek usage seen in passages like Luke 4:18 and Acts 28:20. This linguistic detail shows how the text preserves older dialectal forms alongside common Koine.
The word carries significant theological weight when describing discipleship. Jesus uses it to define the cost of following him, as in Matthew 16:25 where losing one’s life "for my sake" leads to finding it. Similarly, Paul references being bound "for this cause" in Acts 28:20, framing his imprisonment not as a failure but as a consequence of his mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word heneka points to a specific reason or cause behind an action. In the New Testament, it often appears when Jesus speaks about the cost of following Him. He uses this preposition to show that losing one’s life for His sake is not a loss at all, but the path to true life. This shifts our perspective on sacrifice from something burdensome to something purposeful.
When we face persecution or make difficult choices for our faith, this word reminds us that our actions are anchored in something eternal. It connects our daily struggles directly to God’s kingdom purposes. Whether it is standing firm in belief or leaving comfort behind, the reason matters more than the difficulty itself.
This understanding brings hope. We are not acting randomly or without cause. Our faithfulness has a clear destination and a divine motivation. This assurance helps us endure hard seasons with confidence, knowing that our efforts are seen and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on account of10×
- for the sake of6×
- because4×
- On account of3×
- cause1×
- because of1×
- For the sake1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἕνεκεν20×
- ἕνεκα4×
- εἵνεκεν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:25
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
Jesus uses this preposition to define the paradox of discipleship, showing that losing life for His sake is the only way to truly find it.
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Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,
Here the variant form appears to explain the divine motivation behind Jesus’ mission to preach good news and heal the brokenhearted.
-
Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Paul uses this term to clarify that his imprisonment is not a failure but a direct result of his hope in Israel, framing his suffering as purposeful.
-
Romans 8:36
Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Paul quotes Psalm 44 to show that believers are killed daily for God’s sake, linking their suffering directly to Christ's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does heneka mean in the Bible?
Why does the spelling change in some verses?
How is this word used in passages about suffering?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:11“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 10:18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
Matthew 10:39He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
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 19:5and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall…
Matthew 19:29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my…