Greek word · G2539

καίπερ

kaiper

although

Although, even though. It introduces a concession with a participle (BDAG). It is rare in the New Testament (Phil 3:4; Heb 7:5; 12:17; 2 Pet 1:12).

Appears 5 times in 5 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

καίπερ concessive particle,

[in LXX: Proverbs 6:8, Wisdom of Solomon 11:9, Jonah 1:13, Mac.11 * ;]

although: with ptcp., Philippians 3:4, Hebrews 5:8 7:5 12:17, 2 Peter 1:12.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 5:8

Range of meaning

Although, even though. It introduces a concession with a participle (BDAG). It is rare in the New Testament (Phil 3:4; Heb 7:5; 12:17; 2 Pet 1:12).

Against the English

Most English versions render it well ('although', 'though'). YLT's 'through being a Son' misreads it as a cause, which reverses the logic.

Used elsewhere in the period

It is standard literary Koine, a sign of Hebrews' polished Greek style.

Where it appears

Philippians · 1

  1. Philippians 3:4 καίπερ though

    though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Hebrews · 3

  1. Hebrews 5:8 καίπερ though

    Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.

    Here: Marks a concession: what follows is surprising given who he is. It sets 'Son' against 'learned from suffering', as if to say a son of this rank might have been expected to be spared.

  2. Hebrews 7:5 καίπερ though

    Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

  3. Hebrews 12:17 καίπερ although

    For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.

    Here: "Even though": a strong contrast. All his effort did not change the result.

2 Peter · 1

  1. 2 Peter 1:12 καίπερ though

    Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.

    Here: A concession. The writer heads off any suggestion that he thinks they are ignorant. A polite, standard move in ancient moral exhortation.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.