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κἄν

kán

G2579 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

A compound conditional particle: even if, and if, though, at least if. Used to introduce a condition regarded as possible or potential, with an added nuance of concession, minimal expectation, or emphasis. Functions to heighten or intensify the conditional nature of a statement, sometimes with the sense of 'at least' or 'even in case of.'

Semantic Range

even if, though, and if, at least if, if only, though

Root / Etymology

κἄν is a contraction of καί ('and, even') and ἐάν ('if'), forming a single particle. The fusion is typical of Koine Greek, where elision and contraction of frequently occurring particles is common. Not attested as a unit in the earliest classical Greek but common in Hellenistic and later usage.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καί and ἐάν would appear as two separate particles (καὶ ἐάν). In Koine Greek, particularly in the New Testament and later literature, the contracted form κἄν becomes standard, especially in subordinate conditional clauses and concessive constructions. It often introduces a hypothesis or possibility, sometimes emphasizing the unlikely or minimal nature of a condition (e.g., 'even if only...'). In translation, English versions variously render it as 'even if,' 'though,' 'at least if,' or 'and if,' depending on context. Unlike the simple ἐάν ('if'), κἄν adds a nuance that signals a stronger or more concessive or cumulative condition. It commonly appears with the subjunctive, as typical of conditional statements in Greek.

Translation Consistency

primary "even" 17 occurrences

κἄν functions primarily as a concessive/conditional intensifier (even if, though, at least if). 'Even' most naturally and consistently captures that nuance in English, is the form attested across the P2 renderings, and allows context to supply an adjunct 'if' or 'though' when needed. It therefore best fits the typical usage and yields natural, consistent translations.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καί and ἐάν; and (or even) if:--and (also) if (so much as), if but, at the least, though, yet.

Root Family

κἄν (kan) — and, even, if

Root καί, ἐάν and, even, if

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2579-01 κἂν kan ADV even if even if even if 17

Occurrences in Scripture

17 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2579-01 Matthew 21:21 κἂν kan ADV even if even if even if
G2579-01 Matthew 26:35 κἂν kan ADV even if even if even if
G2579-01 Mark 5:28 κἂν kan ADV even even if even if
G2579-01 Mark 6:56 κἂν kan ADV even even if even if
G2579-01 Mark 16:18 κἂν kan CONJ.S even if even if even if
G2579-01 Luke 12:38 κἂν kan CONJ.S even if even if even if
G2579-01 Luke 12:38 κἂν kan-2 CONJ.S even if even if even if
G2579-01 Luke 13:9 κἂν kan CONJ.S and if even if even if
G2579-01 John 8:14 κἂν kan ADV even if even if even if
G2579-01 John 8:55 κἂν kan CONJ.S even if even if even if
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