ἔτι (eti)
eti
still
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 84 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb eti carries the steady weight of continuity, meaning "still," "yet," or "even" in both temporal and logical contexts. It marks a state that persists against expectation or time. In narrative scenes, this persistence is vivid: when Jesus asks if his disciples still lack understanding in Matthew 17:5, or when he notes that Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days in John 11:39, eti underscores a reality that refuses to change.
Its versatility allows it to bridge time and degree. With negatives, it signals the end of an era, as in Mark 5:35 where news arrives that the girl is "no longer" alive. In logical arguments, it emphasizes addition or intensity, such as when Paul prays for love to abound "still more" in Philippians 1:9. The word often appears in Revelation, reinforcing themes of enduring judgment or patience.
Etis theological resonance lies in its assertion of presence. It does not merely describe duration but insists on the current validity of a condition. Whether pointing to past continuity or future expectation, it anchors the reader in the "now" of God's action, reminding us that divine promises and human realities remain active until their appointed end.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eti carries a quiet but steady weight in Scripture, reminding us that God’s presence and promises do not fade with time. When Jesus asks if his disciples still lack understanding, or when the father in Luke 15 sees his son while he is still far off, this adverb anchors us in the reality of divine patience. It tells us that God’s mercy is active now, even when circumstances seem unchanged or difficult.
This persistence is not a sign of neglect but of grace. Whether it marks the end of an era or the continuation of a relationship, eti invites us to rest in the fact that God is still working. His love does not expire; His word does not return void. We can trust that what He has begun, He will bring to completion, holding us in His steady care until the appointed end.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 84 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- still23×
- yet10×
- Yet10×
- any longer,6×
- any longer6×
- Still6×
- any more5×
- still,3×
- more3×
- while2×
- any longer.2×
- While2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔτι70×
- ἔτι,10×
- Ἔτι8×
- ἔτι.4×
- ἔτι·2×
- ἔτι.¶1×
Key Verses
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Luke 15:20
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This occurrence highlights the father's compassion as he sees his son while he is still far off, emphasizing that God's grace meets us before we have fully arrived.
-
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
Here, eti marks the precise moment the Father’s voice interrupts Jesus’ speech to affirm His identity, showing divine intervention in the midst of human activity.
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Mark 8:17
Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet or understand? Is your heart still hardened?
Jesus uses this word to challenge the disciples’ hardened hearts, asking if they still fail to perceive his miracles despite their proximity to him.
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Luke 22:37
For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me is being fulfilled.”
Jesus declares that Scripture must still be fulfilled in him, underscoring the inevitability of his role as the suffering servant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word eti mean?
How is eti different from alla?
Where does eti appear most often?
Every Occurrence (84 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 8 verses
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 12:46While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him.
Matthew 17:5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying,…
Matthew 18:16But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…
Matthew 19:20The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Matthew 26:47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and…
Matthew 26:65Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold,…
Matthew 27:63saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’