πάλιν (palin)
palin
again
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 140 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb palin primarily means "again" or "once more," indicating a repetition of an action or event in time. It is also used to describe physical movement, meaning "back" or "backwards," as when someone returns to a previous location. In the New Testament, this dual sense allows the word to function both temporally and spatially, marking cycles of return or recurrence.
Beyond simple repetition, palin often carries rhetorical weight, functioning as a connector that adds "furthermore" or introduces an opposing point, such as "on the other hand." This usage is evident in passages like Luke 6:43, where it helps structure logical contrasts. The word appears frequently in the Gospels of John and Mark, underscoring key moments of repetition or reversal in Jesus’ ministry.
Its etymological roots suggest an idea of oscillatory motion, implying a return to a starting point. This nuance enriches its theological application, where "again" often signals not just a repeat, but a restoration or renewal of what was previously established, highlighting the cyclical nature of divine action in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word palin appears frequently in the New Testament, carrying a simple but profound meaning: "again" or "once more." It marks moments of return, whether physical, like Jesus returning to Capernaum, or spiritual, like the repeated offers of God’s grace. In Matthew 4:7, Jesus uses it to recall Scripture during temptation, showing that returning to God’s word is a source of strength when we face pressure.
This repetition is not merely circular; it often signals restoration. When Jesus prays "again" in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:42), He models persistent surrender to the Father’s will. For your faith, this suggests that God’s actions are consistent. You can trust that His promises hold true across time, and that returning to Him is always met with welcome.
Even in moments of failure, such as Peter’s denial "again" (Matthew 26:72), the narrative does not end there. The use of palin reminds us that human weakness is real, but divine mercy is greater. It invites you to keep returning to Christ, knowing that each return is an opportunity for renewal and deeper relationship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 140 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- again107×
- Again19×
- again:6×
- again;4×
- again.4×
- back1×
- again,1×
- again [is there]1×
- [came] again1×
- [5] Again1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πάλιν118×
- Πάλιν12×
- πάλιν·10×
- πάλιν.3×
- πάλιν.¶1×
- πάλιν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:7
Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Jesus uses 'again' to recall Scripture, showing how returning to God's word provides strength in temptation.
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Matthew 26:42
Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”
Christ’s repeated prayer models persistent surrender to the Father’s will amidst deep anguish.
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Matthew 13:44
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The parable begins with 'again,' linking the Kingdom of Heaven to previous teachings and emphasizing its supreme value.
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Mark 2:1
When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was at home.
Jesus’ physical return to Capernaum demonstrates His consistent presence among those who need Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'palin' mean in Greek?
How is 'palin' different from other words for 'again'?
Why does Jesus use 'again' so often in Matthew?
Does 'palin' appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (140 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 17 verses
Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 4:8Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
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 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 13:45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Matthew 13:47“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Matthew 18:19Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be…
Matthew 19:24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s…
Matthew 20:5Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
Matthew 21:36Again, he sent other servants more than the first; and they treated them the same way.
Matthew 22:1Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying,
Matthew 22:4Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…
Matthew 26:42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink…
Matthew 26:43He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
Matthew 26:44He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
Matthew 26:72Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.”
Matthew 27:50Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.