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ὅτι (hoti)

hoti

that/since: that

G3754 · Greek · New Testament · 1,214 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1,214 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The Greek conjunction hoti is the most frequent connector in the New Testament, appearing over a thousand times to introduce clauses that explain what was said or known. It functions primarily as "that," linking verbs of perception and speech to their content, as when the disciples realized Jesus had risen (John 20:9) or when Paul states his hope for the Romans (Romans 1:13). This usage anchors the narrative in reported facts and declarations.

Beyond stating facts, hoti often carries a causal force, meaning "because" or "since." It provides the reasoning behind an action or statement, such as when Jesus explains that the poor have the gospel preached to them because of their condition (Matthew 11:5). In these instances, it bridges an event with its cause, showing why something happened rather than just what happened.

A distinctive feature of hoti is its role in introducing direct speech without a verb of saying, acting almost like quotation marks. This occurs when characters speak directly to the reader or another figure, as seen when Jesus declares "I am the way" (John 14:6) or when the woman at the well admits her identity (John 4:26). This usage allows the text to shift seamlessly into the voice of the speaker, giving immediate weight to their words.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hoti acts as a quiet bridge in the New Testament, connecting our understanding to divine truth. It often introduces the content of God’s promises or Jesus’ teachings, anchoring abstract faith in concrete reality. When you read that believers are blessed, this small conjunction signals that what follows is not merely an opinion but a declared fact from Scripture.

It also carries a causal weight, explaining why events unfold as they do. In Matthew 5:12, Jesus uses it to link present persecution with the historical treatment of prophets, offering comfort by placing current struggles within a larger narrative of faithfulness. This connection helps readers see their lives as part of God’s ongoing story.

Recognizing this word can deepen your reading experience. It invites you to pause and consider not just what is said, but why it matters. By tracing these connections, you find that Scripture consistently grounds hope in the character and actions of God, providing stability amidst changing circumstances.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1,214 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • that830×
  • because231×
  • for133×
  • For73×
  • that:19×
  • Because18×
  • since4×
  • Since3×
  • how2×
  • That2×
  • For [it is]2×
  • that,1×

Forms in the text

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

  • ὅτι1306×
  • ὅτι·18×
  • ὅτι,4×
  • ὃτι·1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:12
    Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    This occurrence links present suffering to historical precedent, offering comfort by showing that persecution aligns believers with the prophets.

  • Matthew 5:20
    For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

    Here it introduces a critical condition for entering the Kingdom, emphasizing the necessity of righteousness that surpasses external observance.

  • Matthew 4:12
    Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.

    It connects Jesus’ awareness of John’s imprisonment to his subsequent move to Galilee, showing how divine timing guides ministry transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word hoti mean?

Hoti is a conjunction that primarily means 'that' or 'because.' It introduces clauses that state facts, explain reasons, or introduce direct speech. Its frequency makes it essential for understanding how New Testament authors connect ideas.

How is hoti different from other Greek conjunctions?

While words like gar mean 'for' (providing explanation) and oun means 'then' (showing consequence), hoti specifically introduces the content of thought or speech. It acts as a structural marker for what follows, whether it is a quote or a causal statement.

Where does hoti appear most often?

It appears in over 1,200 verses across the New Testament. You will find it frequently in the Gospels when Jesus teaches and in Paul’s letters when he explains theological points.

Every Occurrence (1,214 verses across 27 books)

Matthew 147 verses
Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…

Matthew 2:18

“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn’t be…

Matthew 2:22

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…

Matthew 2:23

and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he…

Matthew 3:9

Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…

Matthew 4:6

and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…

Matthew 4:12

Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who…

Matthew 5:17

“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:20

For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…

Matthew 5:21

“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of…

Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…

Matthew 5:23

“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,

Matthew 5:27

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’

Matthew 5:28

but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his…

Matthew 5:31

“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’

Matthew 5:32

but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and…

Matthew 5:33

“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the…

Matthew 5:34

but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;

Matthew 5:35

nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Matthew 5:36

Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.

Matthew 5:38

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

Matthew 5:43

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

Matthew 5:45

that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and…

Matthew 6:5

“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…

Matthew 6:7

In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much…

Matthew 6:13

Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…

Matthew 6:16

“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…

Matthew 6:26

See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds…

Matthew 6:29

yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

Matthew 6:32

For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Matthew 7:13

“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many…

Matthew 7:23

Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Matthew 8:11

I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the…

Matthew 8:27

The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

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),…

Matthew 9:18

While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…

Matthew 9:28

When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do…

Matthew 9:33

When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen…

Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them because they were harassed and scattered, like…

Matthew 10:7

As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’

Matthew 10:34

“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.

Matthew 11:20

Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t repent.

Matthew 11:21

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done…

Matthew 11:23

You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom…

Matthew 11:24

But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”

Matthew 11:25

At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…

Matthew 11:26

Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 12:5

Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?

Matthew 12:6

But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

Matthew 12:36

I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…

Matthew 12:42

The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…

Matthew 13:11

He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they…

Matthew 13:16

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.

Matthew 13:17

For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t…

Matthew 14:5

When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Matthew 14:26

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.

Matthew 15:12

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Matthew 15:17

Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body?

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

Matthew 15:32

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…

Matthew 16:7

They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.”

Matthew 16:8

Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread?

Matthew 16:11

How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees…

Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and…

Matthew 16:17

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…

Matthew 16:18

I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail…

Matthew 16:20

Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 16:21

From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,…

Matthew 16:23

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…

Matthew 16:28

Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…

Matthew 17:10

His disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Matthew 17:12

but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

Matthew 17:15

“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…

Matthew 18:10

See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of…

Matthew 18:13

If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…

Matthew 18:19

Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be…

Matthew 19:4

He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

Matthew 19:8

He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the…

Matthew 19:9

I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he…

Matthew 19:23

Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with…

Matthew 19:28

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…

Matthew 20:7

“They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ “He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will…

Matthew 20:10

When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.

Matthew 20:12

saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and…

Matthew 20:15

Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’

Matthew 20:25

But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones…

Matthew 20:30

Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…

Matthew 21:3

If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

Matthew 21:16

and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth…

Matthew 21:31

Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…

Matthew 21:43

“Therefore I tell you, God’s Kingdom will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation producing its fruit.

Matthew 21:45

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.

Matthew 22:16

They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…

Matthew 22:34

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

Matthew 23:10

Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.

Matthew 23:13

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers.…

Matthew 23:14

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you…

Matthew 23:15

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he…

Matthew 23:23

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier…

Matthew 23:25

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within…

Matthew 23:27

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but…

Matthew 23:29

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the…

Matthew 23:31

Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets.

Matthew 23:36

Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Matthew 24:32

“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…

Matthew 24:33

Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.

Matthew 24:34

Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished.

Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.

Matthew 24:43

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have…

Matthew 24:44

Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.

Matthew 24:47

Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has.

Matthew 25:8

The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 25:24

“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…

Matthew 25:26

“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…

Matthew 26:2

“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

Matthew 26:21

As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”

Matthew 26:29

But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with…

Matthew 26:34

Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

Matthew 26:53

Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

Matthew 26:54

How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”

Matthew 26:65

Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold,…

Matthew 26:72

Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.”

Matthew 26:74

Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed.

Matthew 26:75

Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…

Matthew 27:3

Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

Matthew 27:24

So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…

Matthew 27:43

He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

Matthew 27:47

Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”

Matthew 27:63

saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’

Matthew 28:5

The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Matthew 28:7

Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…

Matthew 28:13

saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept.

Mark 98 verses
Luke 165 verses
John 242 verses
Acts 115 verses
Romans 57 verses
I Corinthians 54 verses
II Corinthians 48 verses
Galatians 26 verses
Ephesians 13 verses
Philippians 20 verses
Colossians 6 verses
I Thessalonians 13 verses
II Thessalonians 11 verses
I Timothy 11 verses
II Timothy 7 verses
Titus 1 verse
Philemon 4 verses
Hebrews 17 verses
James 16 verses
I Peter 16 verses
II Peter 5 verses
I John 61 verses
II John 2 verses
III John 1 verse
Jude 3 verses
Revelation of John 55 verses