τε (te)
te
and/both
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 203 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The particle te functions as a tight bond between words or ideas, often translated as "and" or "both." Unlike the more common kai, which simply links items in a list, te suggests a closer affinity or essential connection between the elements it joins. This subtle distinction means that when te is used, the connected parts are viewed as a unified pair rather than separate additions.
This particle appears frequently in Acts and Hebrews, where it helps structure complex theological arguments. For instance, in Romans 14:8, Paul uses a paired structure to show that life and death are equally bound to Christ: "whether we live, we live to the Lord; or dying, we die to the Lord." Similarly, in Luke 12:45, it connects the servant's actions with his master's unexpected arrival, emphasizing the simultaneous nature of the events.
Etymologically, te is a primary particle that has no direct equivalent in modern Greek, having disappeared from the language over time. Its Latin cousin -que serves as a helpful comparison, indicating a formal or emphatic joining. Translators often render it simply as "and," but the underlying sense is one of inseparable linkage, reinforcing that the connected concepts belong together by nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek particle te acts as a tight bond between words or ideas, often translated simply as "and" or "both." Unlike the more common kai, which links items in a list, te suggests a closer affinity or essential connection. When this word appears, it signals that the connected parts are viewed as a unified pair rather than separate additions.
This subtle distinction helps us see how biblical authors structure their thoughts. For instance, in Acts 1:1, Luke uses te to join Jesus’ actions and teachings, showing they belong together as one continuous ministry. In John 2:15, it connects the sheep and oxen driven from the temple, emphasizing that both groups were part of the same commercial system.
Understanding this word invites us to notice the careful pairings in Scripture. It reminds us that certain truths are meant to be held together, not separated. As you read, look for these tight bonds—they often highlight what the author considers most important about the relationship between two concepts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 203 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- then82×
- both77×
- and25×
- also24×
- And7×
- together with [them]1×
- to both1×
- then;1×
- then [that]1×
- even1×
- but1×
- between1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τε226×
- τε·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:1
The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,
Luke uses te to tightly bind Jesus' deeds and teachings, presenting them as a single, inseparable ministry rather than separate events.
-
John 2:15
He made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.
The word connects the sheep and oxen, grouping them together as part of the same commercial activity that Jesus disrupted in the temple.
-
Luke 2:16
They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
Te links Mary and Joseph, emphasizing their united presence at the manger as a single family unit rather than just two individuals.
-
Matthew 22:10
Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests.
It joins the bad and good guests, highlighting that both groups were equally included in the wedding feast's final assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word te mean?
How is te different from kai?
Where does te appear most often?
Every Occurrence (203 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 27:48Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him a drink.
Matthew 28:12When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,