γάρ: Difference between revisions

|txtha=a conjunction, which according to its composition, γέ and ἄρα (equivalent to ἀρ), is properly a particle of affirmation and conclusion, denoting truly therefore, verily as the case stands, "the thing is first affirmed by the particle γέ, and then is referred to what precedes by the force of the particle ἄρα (Klotz ad Devar. ii. 1, p. 232; cf. Kühner, ii., p. 724; (Jelf, § 786; Winer s Grammar, 445f (415f))). Now since by a new affirmation not infrequently the reason and nature of something previously mentioned are set forth, it comes to pass that, by the use of this particle, either the reason and cause of a foregoing statement is added, whence arises the causal or argumentative force of the particle, for (Latinnam, enim; German denn); or some previous declaration is explained, whence γάρ takes on an explicative force: for, the fact Isaiah , namely (Latin videlicet, German nämlich). Thus the force of the particle is either conclusive, or demonstrative, or explicative and declaratory; cf. Rost in Passow's Lexicon, i., p. 535ff; Kühner, ii., pp. 724ff, 852ff; (cf. Liddell and Scott, under the word). The use of the particle in the N. T. does not differ from that in the classics. I. Its primary and original Conclusive force is seen in questions (in Greek writings also in exclamations) and answers expressed with emotion; where, according to the connexion, it may be freely represented by assuredly, verily, forsooth, why, then, etc.: ἐν γάρ τούτῳ etc. ye profess not to know whence he is; herein then is assuredly a marvellous thing, why, herein etc. οὐ γάρ, ἀλλά etc. by no means in this state of things, nay verily, but etc. L T Tr WH. It is joined to interrogative particles and pronouns: μή γάρ etc. μή γάρ ... οὐκ, since ye are so eager to eat and drink, have ye not," etc.?); τίς γάρ, τί γάρ: τί γάρ κακόν ἐποίησεν, ye demand that he be crucified like a malefactor, Why, what evil hath he done?); which then do ye suppose to be the easier, etc.?); τί γάρ; for τί γάρ ἐστι, what then? i. e. what, under these circumstances, ought to be the conclusion? πῶς γάρ, Jelf, ii., p. 608); Winer's Grammar, 447 (416). Here belongs also the vexed passage ἤ γάρ ἐκεῖνος (so G T Tr marginal reading, but L WH Tr text παῥ ἐκεῖνον) or do ye suppose then that that man went down approved of God? cf. Winer's Grammar, 241 (226). II. It adduces the Cause or gives the Reason of a preceding statement or opinion;<br /><b class="num">1.</b> universally: γάρ assigns the reason why now at length Jesus betook himself into Galilee; for the authority denied to a prophet in his own country (Galilee), he had previously to seek and obtain among strangers; cf. γάρ annexes the reason why the thing must either be done or avoided: γάρ connects the verse with γάρ annexes the reason why the question is asked: τίς, τί γάρ: τί γάρ for τί γάρ ἐστι, ἵνα τί γάρ, ποίᾳ γάρ, WH text omits; Tr brackets γάρ).<br /><b class="num">6.</b> Sometimes in answers it is so used to make good the substance of a preceding question that it can be rendered yea, assuredly: assuredly, yea: εὐδόκησαν γάρ); so also καί γάρ, γάρ introduces the cause, or renders the reason, is not expressed, but must be gathered from the context and supplied in thought. But that this ellipsis is wholly imaginary is clearly shown by Klotz ad Devar. ii. 1, p. 236f, cf. Winer's Grammar, 446f (415f). The particle is everywhere used in reference to something expressly stated. Suffice it to append a very few examples; the true nature of many others is shown under the remaining heads of this article: In γάρ some supply 'nor does this happen to you alone'; but the reason is added why a great reward in heaven is reserved for those who suffer persecution, which reason consists in this, that the prophets also suffered persecution, and that their reward is great no one can doubt. In γάρ here, see III.<br /><b class="num">a.</b> below. On T Tr WH omit; L brackets γάρ), where before καί γάρ some supply 'but help me,' or 'yet we do not suffer even the dogs to perish with hunger,' see 10b. below. In γάρ many supply 'he will listen to thee'; but it introduces the reason for the preceding command.<br /><b class="num">9.</b> When in successive statements γάρ is repeated twice or thrice, or even four or five times, either a. one and the same thought is confirmed by as many arguments, each having its own force, as there are repetitions of the particle (Meyer denies the coordinate use of γάρ in the N. T., asserting that the first is argumentative, the second explicative, see his commentaries on the passage to follow, also on G L T Tr WH); Winer's Grammar, 453 (422)); WH text omits; Tr brackets the first γάρ, L WH marginal reading omit the second).<br /><b class="num">10.</b> καί γάρ (on which cf. Kühner, ii., p. 854 f; Winer's Grammar, 448 (417); (Ellicott on for, and truly (etenim, namque, (the simple rendering for is regarded as inexact by many; cf. Meyer on Krüger, § 69,32, 21)): L Tr brackets γάρ); for also, for even (nam etiam): καί γάρ (R G L brackets) τά κυνάρια etc. the woman, by adducing an example, confirms what Christ had said, but the example is of such a sort as also to prove that her request ought to be granted. τέ γάρ for indeed (German denn ja): Winer's Grammar, 448 (417). ἰδού γάρ, see under ἰδού. III. It serves to explain, make clear, illustrate, a preceding thought or word: for equivalent to that Isaiah , namely;<br /><b class="num">a.</b> so that it begins an exposition of the thing just announced (cf. Winer's Grammar, 454 f (423 f)): R G); γάρ introduces a statement setting forth the nature of the συνδοξασθῆναι just mentioned.<br /><b class="num">b.</b> so that the explanation is intercalated into the discourse, or even added by way of appendix: ἦν γάρ μέγας σφόδρα is added to throw light on all that has been previously said (in IV. As respects position: γάρ never occupies the first place in a sentence, but the second, or third, or even the fourth (ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ γάρ υἱός, not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed, Hermann on Sophocles Philippians 1437.