ἵνα (hina)
hina
in order that/to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 629 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The conjunction hina functions as a primary marker of purpose in the New Testament, introducing clauses that explain why an action is taken. Translators typically render it "that" or "in order that," signaling that the following event is the intended goal of the preceding statement. This word appears nearly six hundred times across the Gospels and Epistles, serving as a structural hinge between human activity and divine intention.
Its grammatical behavior is distinct: it almost always pairs with the subjunctive mood to express potential or future outcomes. For instance, Jesus explains that He performs signs so that people might believe (John 3:15), and Paul states he adapts his methods in order to win others (1 Corinthians 9:22). The sources note that while classical Greek often used the optative mood after past tenses, the New Testament frequently retains the subjunctive or shifts to the indicative in later writings, reflecting the evolving Koine style.
The word’s etymological roots point toward a demonstrative idea, linking an action to its specific result. This creates a tight logical bond between cause and effect. In John 18:37, Jesus declares He was born for this very purpose—that He should bear witness to the truth. The conjunction does not merely describe a sequence of events; it reveals the deliberate design behind them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἵνα connects our actions to God’s intended outcomes. It appears hundreds of times in the New Testament, acting as a bridge between what we do and why it matters in His plan. When you read this conjunction, you are seeing the deliberate design behind biblical events. It shows that Scripture is not a random collection of stories but a coherent narrative where every action serves a specific purpose.
For your faith, this offers comfort. It means that even when circumstances seem confusing, there is a clear direction. Jesus used it to explain that He came so people might believe and have life. Paul used it to show how he adapted his methods to reach others. These connections remind us that our lives are part of a larger story with a defined goal.
Understanding this word helps you see the logic in God’s dealings with humanity. It invites you to look for the purpose behind your own experiences. Just as Jesus acted with clear intent, you can trust that your steps are guided by a wise and loving Creator who has a specific end in view for your good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 629 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- that373×
- so that269×
- in order that10×
- That6×
- so why5×
- so2×
- in order2×
- why1×
- when1×
- that it1×
- that [it may be]1×
- in that1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἵνα669×
- ἱνατί6×
- Ἵνα2×
Key Verses
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse uses the word to define the ultimate purpose of God's love: giving His Son so that believers might receive eternal life rather than perish.
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Matthew 9:6
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”
Here Jesus employs the term to demonstrate a tangible proof, linking the miracle of healing directly to the authority He possesses to forgive sins on earth.
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Matthew 18:14
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
The word clarifies the Father's specific will regarding 'little ones,' emphasizing that their preservation is a central priority in God's heart.
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Matthew 19:16
Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
A rich young ruler uses this conjunction to inquire about the specific good deed required to attain the lasting reward of eternal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hina mean in the New Testament?
How is hina different from other Greek conjunctions?
Where does this word appear most often?
Why is this word important for understanding Scripture?
Every Occurrence (629 verses across 26 books)
Matthew 42 verses
Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
Matthew 2:15and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,…
Matthew 4:3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Matthew 4:14that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 7:1“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.
Matthew 7:12Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 9:4Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
Matthew 9:6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic),…
Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the…
Matthew 12:10And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that…
Matthew 12:16and commanded them that they should not make him known,
Matthew 12:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 14:36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.
Matthew 16:20Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge…
Matthew 18:14Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
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 19:13Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 19:16Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 20:21He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand…
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:33They told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”
Matthew 21:4All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,
Matthew 23:26You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
Matthew 24:20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,
Matthew 26:4They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.
Matthew 26:5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”
Matthew 26:16From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:56But all this has happened that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and…
Matthew 26:63But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…
Matthew 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:26Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.
Matthew 27:32As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might…
Matthew 27:35When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,
Matthew 27:46About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why…
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…