ἐπεί (epei)

epei

since

G1893 · Greek · New Testament · 26 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 26 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The conjunction epei functions as a logical connector meaning "since" or "when," linking a premise to a conclusion. In most New Testament usage, it introduces a causal clause that explains why something is true or happening. This sense appears frequently in Paul’s letters and Hebrews, such as when he argues that believers are no longer under the law because grace reigns (Romans 11:6), or when the writer of Hebrews notes that Christ suffered outside the gate since it was sanctified by his own blood (Hebrews 13:12).

While primarily causal, epei can also denote time, meaning "when" or "after," though this usage is less common than its logical counterpart. In Luke 7:1, for instance, the text notes that Jesus had entered Capernaum when a centurion’s servant was sick. The word often carries a sense of established fact, presenting the preceding clause as an undeniable reason for the main statement. Translators typically render it as "since" or "because," capturing its role in grounding arguments in accepted truths rather than mere temporal sequence.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word epei helps us understand that our faith is built on reality, not just wishful thinking. It translates as "since" or "because," linking a known fact to a necessary conclusion. When the New Testament uses this term, it points to something established and true, grounding our beliefs in solid ground rather than vague feelings.

For example, Hebrews 2:14 explains that Jesus shared in our humanity since we are flesh and blood. This connection allows Him to defeat death on our behalf. Recognizing these logical links strengthens our trust in God’s actions. We see that His work is not random but follows a clear, purposeful design rooted in who He is and what He has done.

This word invites us to look closely at the reasons behind our hope. It reminds us that Christian truth is coherent and reliable. When we study these connections, we find comfort in knowing that our salvation rests on undeniable facts about Christ’s life and sacrifice.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.

since13×
Otherwise5×
Since3×
otherwise2×
because2×
since [the]1×
else1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἐπεὶ25×
Ἐπεὶ2×

Key Verses

Hebrews 2:14
Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

This verse uses the word to establish the necessary precondition for Christ's victory over death, linking His incarnation directly to our shared human nature.
Matthew 18:32
Then his lord called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.

Here it introduces the master's reasoning for rebuking the servant, highlighting the logical inconsistency of refusing mercy after having received it.
Hebrews 6:13
For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,

The author uses this conjunction to explain why God swore by Himself, grounding the promise in the fact that no greater authority existed.
I Corinthians 14:12
So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.

Paul uses this term to urge believers to pursue spiritual gifts actively because they already possess a genuine zeal for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does epei mean in the New Testament?

It is a Greek conjunction that typically means "since" or "because." It functions to introduce a cause or reason that supports the main statement, often treating the preceding information as an established fact.

How is epei different from hoti?

While both can mean "that" or "because," epei usually emphasizes a logical consequence or a known premise. Hoti is more versatile, often introducing indirect statements or simple causal clauses without the same emphasis on established truth.

Where does this word appear most frequently?

It appears in 26 verses across the New Testament, with significant usage in the Pauline epistles and the Book of Hebrews. These books often use it to build theological arguments based on accepted premises.

Every Occurrence (26 verses across 8 books)

Matthew 3 verses

Matthew 18:32

Then his lord called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.

Matthew 21:46

When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet.

Matthew 27:6

The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…

Mark 1 verse

Luke 1 verse

John 2 verses

Romans 3 verses

I Corinthians 5 verses

II Corinthians 2 verses

Hebrews 9 verses