← G2531 G2533 →

καί

kaí

G2532 coordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Definition

A conjunction primarily used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, conveying the sense of 'and.' Its semantic range includes both copulative ('and', connecting similar elements) and sometimes cumulative ('also', 'even', 'too', 'so then') force, depending on context. It may introduce additional or intensified elements or link sequential actions or statements. In composition with other particles, it can impart various nuanced connections.

Semantic Range

and (copulative), also (cumulative/emphatic), even (emphatic), too, so then, both, as well as, in addition, occasionally: so, therefore (esp. with other particles)

Root / Etymology

Copulative conjunction of native Greek origin. Not derived from a prior form, but attested already in Homeric Greek. Related to Latin 'que,' Sanskrit 'ca'; reflects an Indo-European copulative particle.

Historical & Contextual Notes

καί is among the most frequent words in the Greek language due to its fundamental syntactic function as a conjunction. In classical Greek, as in the later Koine, it functions primarily as a copulative, often simply meaning 'and.' In various contexts, additional nuance can arise: 'also' or 'even' for emphasis, sometimes 'too' or 'as well.' In narrative texts, καί frequently binds clauses in a paratactic (side-by-side) style common especially in the Septuagint and New Testament. This cumulative parataxis sometimes results in stylistic simplicity or starkness. In the Septuagint, καί is commonly used to translate the Hebrew וְ (wə-) as a default conjunction, even in places where classical Greek would use contextual or more specific connectors. In later Koine and particularly in Christian sources, καί sometimes takes on explanatory or consecutive sense ('so', 'then'), especially when joined with other particles. While English usually translates καί as 'and,' English syntax sometimes omits it where Greek uses it copiously. Occasionally, English versions supply 'but' or 'yet' for καί in adversative contexts, though this is more interpretive than literal. The high frequency and syntactic flexibility of καί means it often escapes notice in translation, but it is structurally central to Greek prose rhythm and clause connection.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.

Root Family

καί- (kaí) — to join, to connect, to add

Root καί- to join, to connect, to add
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2543 καίτοι and yet

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2532-01 καὶ kai CONJ and and and 9005

Occurrences in Scripture

9005 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2532-01 Matthew 1:2 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:3 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:11 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:17 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:17 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:19 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:21 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:23 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:23 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:24 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:25 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 1:25 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:2 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:3 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:4 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:4 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:6 καὶ kai CONJ And and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:8 καὶ kai CONJ And and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:9 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:11 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:11 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:11 καὶ kai-3 CONJ then and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:11 καὶ kai-4 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:11 καὶ kai-5 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:12 καὶ kai CONJ And and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:13 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:13 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:13 καὶ kai-3 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:14 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:14 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:15 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:16 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:16 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:16 καὶ kai-3 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:18 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:18 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:20 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:20 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:21 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:21 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 2:23 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:4 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:4 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:5 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:5 καὶ kai-2 CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:6 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:7 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:9 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:10 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
G2532-01 Matthew 3:11 καὶ kai CONJ and and and
← G2531 Greek Lexicon G2533 →