ἐπειδήπερ (epeidēper)
epeidēper
since
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The conjunction epeidēper translates simply to "since" or "forasmuch as," functioning to introduce a premise that supports a following statement. It appears only once in the New Testament, marking the opening of Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:1). In this context, it signals that the author is about to provide an account based on careful investigation of earlier sources.
Lexical notes describe it as a "stately compound," combining the causal force of epeidē with the emphatic particle per. This construction gives the word a formal, dignified tone suitable for introductory prologues in classical Greek. Its use here establishes Luke’s narrative as a deliberate, reasoned work rather than a casual collection of stories.
While common conjunctions like hoti or epeidē also mean "since," epeidēper carries a slightly heavier rhetorical weight. It emphasizes the logical ground for what follows. By choosing this term, Luke aligns his writing with the style of serious historical or philosophical prefaces found in ancient literature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epeidēper appears only once in the New Testament, opening the Gospel of Luke with a sense of careful intention. It means 'since' or 'forasmuch as,' linking what follows to a clear reason. Here it introduces Luke’s promise to write an orderly account based on thorough investigation.
This single word reminds us that our faith rests on real events and reliable testimony. Luke did not invent stories; he sought the truth from those who witnessed it from the beginning. When we read Scripture, we can trust that God guided this process with precision and care.
Knowing that your Bible was carefully preserved encourages confidence in its message. You do not need to doubt the foundation of what you believe. Instead, you can rest in the certainty that God’s word is both historically grounded and spiritually true for your life today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Inasmuch as1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐπειδήπερ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:1
Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
This verse uses epeidēper to formally introduce Luke's method of investigating sources, establishing the reliability of the Gospel narrative from its very first sentence.