Greek Conjunctions

In English conjunctions join parts of a sentence together, (hence the latin term, conjungo from whence we get conjunction), but in Greek the conjunction can start a sentence - connecting two sentences. They can be difficult to translate properly. Read Daniel B Wallace Greek Grammar - Beyond the Basics for a better understanding (1996, Zondervan, USA).

Coordinating Conjunctions (linking equal parts)

Greek Likely translation
ἀλλά but, rather, on the contrary; adds emphasis or contrast; not only this but also
ἄρα consequently, therefore, then, thus, so
ἆρα interrogative particle expecting a negative response
γάρ for, since, then; for, you see; indeed, certainly, by all means
δέ but, to the contrary, rather; and; now, then, so
διόπερ therefore indeed, for this very reason
εἴτε if, whether
or; than
ἤτοι or
καί and, also, but, even; that is, namely; frequently used merely to mark the beginning of a sentence
μήτε and not
οὐδέ neither, nor, and not; not, not even
οὖν therefore, then; thus, so, accordingly
οὔτε not, no, nor
τέ and; and so, so
τοίνυν inferential particle therefore, then, for that very reason then

Subordinating Conjunctions (links dependent clause to an independent clause)

Greek Likely translation
ἐάν if; even if, though; when; sometimes used as particle indicating contingency in certain constructions
εἰ if; whether; that; if only, surely; since
εἴπερ since, if it is true that
ἐπάν when, as soon as
ἕως conj. until; while; prep. with gen. to, until, as far as, to the point of; as many as
ἡνίκα when
ἤπερ than
ἵνα in order that; so that; that; with subj. sometimes = impv.
ἱνατί conj. why? for what reason?
καθό as, according as; in so far as, to the degree that
καθότι because, for; as, in so far as
καθώς as, just as; inasmuch as, because; in so far as, to the degree that; how, that
καθώσπερ as, just as
καίτοιγε although, and yet
ὅπου where; whereas, while
ὅπως that, in order that
ὅταν when, whenever, as often as
ὅτε when, at which time; while, as long as
ὅτι that; because, for, since; may mark the beginning of direct discourse
πρίν before
πῶς interrog. particle how? in what way? how is it possible?
ὡσεί like, as; about, approximately
ὥσπερ as, just as, even as; like
ὡσπερεί as, as though
ὥστε that, so that, with the result that; in order that, for the purpose of; therefore, thus, so, accordingly

 

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NOTE WELL: These pages do not replace texts by professional Greek Scholars. They are a summary of basic grammar for use by the Author. The Author makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, as to the accuracy or completement of the information provided.

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