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ἄρα

ára

G686 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

A particle used to mark an inference or conclusion, indicating that the following statement is drawn as a logical result from what precedes; it expresses a sense of 'then,' 'therefore,' or 'consequently.' In some cases, it introduces questions with an inferential tone or marks a deduction, and may express degrees of certainty depending on context. Its force can range from mild implication ('so,' 'it would seem that...') to stronger logical consequence ('therefore,' 'as a result').

Semantic Range

inferential particle, marking logical consequence; therefore; then; consequently; so; as a result; (in some contexts) truly, certaintly, indeed; (in some question contexts) is it then?, what manner of...?

Root / Etymology

Ultimately etymology is uncertain; often compared or connected with the root of αἴρω ('to lift, raise'), but there is no direct derivational lineage. ἄρα is primarily an inherited Indo-European inferential particle, cognate with other Indo-European particles used for inferential or conclusory sense. It is distinct from ἆρα, which more often serves interrogative function.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ἄρα functions mainly as a postpositive logical or inferential particle, commonly used to draw conclusions or to mark what follows as a deduced result. Its use continues in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, where it often marks an inference based on narrative or discourse context. It can be used emphatically (to underscore a decisive conclusion), but also with particles like οὖν ('then, therefore'), γέ ('indeed, at least'), or εἰ ('if') to shade logical connections further. The English translation varies with context and seldom carries an exact equivalent, so its meaning must be determined from surrounding clauses. The related particle ἆρα is used differently, usually introducing questions with less decisiveness ('is it then...?'), while ἄρα is inferential. English translations often paraphrase or omit ἄρα, translating it as 'then,' 'therefore,' or by no word at all depending on the flow of the sentence. In Koine usage, especially in the New Testament, the force of the inference is sometimes weaker, merely marking transition or mild deduction.

Translation Consistency

primary "so" 47 occurrences

ʻἄραʼ functions primarily as an inferential/conclusive particle (“therefore/then/so”). Choosing “so” gives a natural, flexible render that covers mild implication and stronger logical consequence, fits inferential questions (e.g. “So…?”), and reads naturally across contexts better than the more formal “therefore” or the sometimes-temporal “then.”

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"perhaps" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from αἴρω (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows):--haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Often used in connection with other particles, especially γέ or οὖν (after) or εἰ (before). Compare also ἆρα.

Root Family

ἄρα (ara) — to infer, to conclude, to deduce

Root ἀρ- to infer, to conclude, to deduce
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G687 ἆρα therefore

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G686-01 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so 49

Occurrences in Scripture

49 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G686-01 Matthew 7:20 ἄρα ara ADV therefore therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 12:28 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 17:26 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 18:1 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 19:25 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 19:27 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Matthew 24:45 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Mark 4:41 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
G686-01 Mark 11:13 ἄρα ara ADV perhaps therefore so
G686-01 Luke 1:66 ἄρα ara ADV then therefore so
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