ἤτοι
ḗtoi
G2273 particle
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emphatic particle introducing a clarification, alternative, or confirmation, often used at the beginning of a clause. It functions to emphasize a point, present an alternative possibility, or to introduce a statement that elaborates or specifies what precedes. Its use closely links two clauses, indicating that what follows is to be understood as either a strong alternative or explicit clarification of the prior idea.
Semantic Range
either, indeed, alternatively, or rather, introduces an emphatic alternative or clarification, sometimes merely emphatic in function without strict disjunction
Root / Etymology
From the conjunction ἤ ('or', 'either') and the particle τοί (emphatic particle, often conveying assurance). The compound emphasizes the disjunctive sense of ἤ with added affirmation from τοί.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἤτοι appears mainly in literary and formal prose, often introducing alternations, clarifications, or emphatic statements. Its use persists into the Koine period, though it is comparatively rare in the New Testament and the Septuagint. In many English translations, ἤτοι is rendered with phrases like 'either' or 'indeed,' but it can be left untranslated if its discourse function is implicit in English syntax. Unlike ἤ ('or', 'either') on its own, ἤτοι adds an emphatic force, often combining alternative possibilities with assurance. It does not have a theological nuance and its function is strictly as a discourse marker or connective. Its register is somewhat elevated or formal compared to simple conjunctions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἤ and τοί; either indeed:--whether.
Root Family
ἠτοι- (ḗtoi) — to set apart alternatives, to introduce emphatic clarification
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2273-01 |
ἤτοι | etoi | PART |
whether | or rather | either | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2273-01 |
Romans 6:16 | ἤτοι | etoi | PART |
whether | or rather | either |