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πλήν

plḗn

G4133 coordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily a conjunction or particle meaning 'however, nevertheless, except, but, only.' It introduces an exception or limitation to what precedes, often functioning as an adversative or concessive conjunction. In contexts, it can also mean 'except for,' 'apart from,' or 'only that.' Depending on syntax, it offers qualification, restriction, or contrast to a preceding statement.

Semantic Range

except (for), apart from, but, only, nevertheless, however, save (for), except that, yet

Root / Etymology

Derived from the comparative πλείων ('more, greater') with a particle function; grammatically formed as a contracted or idiomatic usage indicating limitation related to the concept of 'more' or 'other than.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πλήν primarily functioned to mark exceptions ('except') or limits ('but only'). In Hellenistic Greek and the Septuagint, its use broadens to include concessive or adversative connections ('nevertheless,' 'however') as well as retaining its basic function of specifying exceptions. In the New Testament, πλήν is found both as a preposition with the genitive, meaning 'except, apart from,' and as a conjunction introducing a limitation or exception to the previous clause. English translations tend to vary widely, rendering πλήν as 'but,' 'except,' 'however,' 'nevertheless,' or similar, depending on context, sometimes narrowing the nuance. Compared to ἀλλά (alla, 'but') or εἰ μή (ei mē, 'unless, except'), πλήν typically marks a positive exception or sets a boundary to a general principle; it is less strongly adversative than ἀλλά and often less conditional than εἰ μή. The word appears in a variety of literary and documentary Koine sources, retaining its core meaning of introducing a restriction or exception, but developing broader use as a general connector indicating contrast or limitation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πλείων; moreover (besides), i.e. albeit, save that, rather, yet:--but (rather), except, nevertheless, notwithstanding, save, than.

Root Family

πλήν (plēn) — to limit, to except, to define a boundary, to qualify

Root πλην- to limit, to except, to define a boundary

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4133-01 πλὴν plen CONJ nevertheless except except 31

Occurrences in Scripture

31 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4133-01 Matthew 11:22 πλὴν plen CONJ But except however
G4133-01 Matthew 11:24 πλὴν plen CONJ But except however
G4133-01 Matthew 18:7 πλὴν plen CONJ but except except
G4133-01 Matthew 26:39 πλὴν plen CONJ nevertheless except however
G4133-01 Matthew 26:64 πλὴν plen CONJ nevertheless except however
G4133-01 Mark 12:32 πλὴν plen PREP GEN besides except except
G4133-01 Luke 6:24 πλὴν plen CONJ But except however
G4133-01 Luke 6:35 πλὴν plen CONJ but except but
G4133-01 Luke 10:11 πλὴν plen CONJ yet except except
G4133-01 Luke 10:14 πλὴν plen CONJ But except but
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