The Greek word ὅτι (hoti) meaning "that" is one of the most frequently occurring conjunctions in Koine Greek texts. It serves multiple functions: introducing reported speech, stating reasons ("because"), and connecting clauses where English uses "that." Mastering ὅτι is essential for reading philosophical, historical, and biblical texts in Greek.
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Definition: ὅτι (hoti) is a conjunction that primarily means "that" when introducing indirect discourse or dependent clauses. It can also mean "because" when introducing causal clauses.
FAQ Schema Question: What does ὅτι mean in Koine Greek? Answer: ὅτι (hoti) is a conjunction meaning "that" or "because" in Koine Greek. It introduces indirect statements (e.g., "He said that..."), object clauses (e.g., "I know that..."), and causal clauses (e.g., "because..."). It is one of the most common conjunctions in Greek texts.
Educational Schema Course: Koine Greek Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Conjunctions - ὅτι (that/because) Language: Koine Greek for English Speakers Type: Self-study Reading Lesson Prerequisites: Basic Greek alphabet knowledge
How This Word Will Be Used: In this lesson, you'll encounter ὅτι in various contexts - introducing reported speech, connecting thoughts, and providing reasons. The examples progress from simple statements to more complex philosophical and theological uses.
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ὅτι introduces indirect statements after verbs of saying, thinking, and perceiving -
It can mean "because" when introducing reasons -
Unlike English, Greek often requires ὅτι where English might omit "that" -
The word following ὅτι typically maintains indicative mood -
Essential for reading philosophical and biblical Greek texts
13.1 λέγει (le-gei) he-says ὅτι (ho-ti) that ὁ (ho) the θεός (the-os) God ἐστιν (es-tin) is ἀγαθός (a-ga-thos) good
13.2 οἶδα (oi-da) I-know ὅτι (ho-ti) that σὺ (sy) you εἶ (ei) are ὁ (ho) the διδάσκαλος (di-das-ka-los) teacher
13.3 ἀκούομεν (a-kou-o-men) we-hear ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἔρχεται (er-khe-tai) he-comes αὔριον (au-ri-on) tomorrow
13.4 πιστεύω (pis-teu-ō) I-believe ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the ἀλήθεια (a-lē-thei-a) truth ἐλευθερώσει (e-leu-the-rō-sei) will-free ὑμᾶς (hy-mas) you
13.5 εἶπεν (ei-pen) he-said αὐτοῖς (au-tois) to-them ὅτι (ho-ti) that δεῖ (dei) it-is-necessary προσεύχεσθαι (pros-eu-khes-thai) to-pray
13.6 γινώσκετε (gi-nōs-ke-te) you-know ὅτι (ho-ti) that οἱ (hoi) the ἄρχοντες (ar-khon-tes) rulers κατακυριεύουσιν (ka-ta-ky-ri-eu-ou-sin) lord-over αὐτῶν (au-tōn) them
13.7 βλέπω (ble-pō) I-see ὅτι (ho-ti) that τὸ (to) the φῶς (phōs) light καλόν (ka-lon) good ἐστιν (es-tin) is
13.8 μαρτυρεῖ (mar-ty-rei) he-testifies ὅτι (ho-ti) that οὗτος (hou-tos) this-one ἐστὶν (es-tin) is ὁ (ho) the υἱός (hui-os) son τοῦ (tou) of-the θεοῦ (the-ou) God
13.9 ἐγένετο (e-ge-ne-to) it-happened ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἐν (en) in ταῖς (tais) the ἡμέραις (hē-me-rais) days ἐκείναις (e-kei-nais) those ἦλθεν (ēl-then) came βασιλεύς (ba-si-leus) king
13.10 θαυμάζω (thau-ma-zō) I-marvel ὅτι (ho-ti) that οὕτως (hou-tōs) thus ταχέως (ta-khe-ōs) quickly μετατίθεσθε (me-ta-ti-thes-the) you-are-turning
13.11 ἀπεκρίθη (a-pe-kri-thē) he-answered ὅτι (ho-ti) that οὐ (ou) not δύναμαι (dy-na-mai) I-am-able ἐλθεῖν (el-thein) to-come
13.12 φοβοῦμαι (pho-bou-mai) I-fear ὅτι (ho-ti) that μή (mē) not εὕρω (heu-rō) I-find ὑμᾶς (hy-mas) you οἵους (hoi-ous) such-as θέλω (the-lō) I-wish
13.13 χαίρω (khai-rō) I-rejoice ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἦλθες (ēl-thes) you-came πρὸς (pros) to ἡμᾶς (hē-mas) us
13.14 ἔγραψα (e-grap-sa) I-wrote ὑμῖν (hy-min) to-you ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἰσχυροί (is-khy-roi) strong ἐστε (es-te) you-are
13.15 νομίζουσιν (no-mi-zou-sin) they-think ὅτι (ho-ti) that σοφοί (so-phoi) wise εἰσιν (ei-sin) they-are
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13.1 λέγει ὅτι ὁ θεός ἐστιν ἀγαθός. He says that God is good.
13.2 οἶδα ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος. I know that you are the teacher.
13.3 ἀκούομεν ὅτι ἔρχεται αὔριον. We hear that he is coming tomorrow.
13.4 πιστεύω ὅτι ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς. I believe that the truth will set you free.
13.5 εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι δεῖ προσεύχεσθαι. He said to them that it is necessary to pray.
13.6 γινώσκετε ὅτι οἱ ἄρχοντες κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν. You know that the rulers lord it over them.
13.7 βλέπω ὅτι τὸ φῶς καλόν ἐστιν. I see that the light is good.
13.8 μαρτυρεῖ ὅτι οὗτος ἐστὶν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ. He testifies that this is the Son of God.
13.9 ἐγένετο ὅτι ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἦλθεν βασιλεύς. It happened that in those days a king came.
13.10 θαυμάζω ὅτι οὕτως ταχέως μετατίθεσθε. I marvel that you are so quickly turning away.
13.11 ἀπεκρίθη ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν. He answered that he was not able to come.
13.12 φοβοῦμαι ὅτι μὴ εὕρω ὑμᾶς οἵους θέλω. I fear that I may not find you as I wish.
13.13 χαίρω ὅτι ἦλθες πρὸς ἡμᾶς. I rejoice that you came to us.
13.14 ἔγραψα ὑμῖν ὅτι ἰσχυροί ἐστε. I wrote to you that you are strong.
13.15 νομίζουσιν ὅτι σοφοί εἰσιν. They think that they are wise.
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13.1 λέγει ὅτι ὁ θεός ἐστιν ἀγαθός.
13.2 οἶδα ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος.
13.3 ἀκούομεν ὅτι ἔρχεται αὔριον.
13.4 πιστεύω ὅτι ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς.
13.5 εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι δεῖ προσεύχεσθαι.
13.6 γινώσκετε ὅτι οἱ ἄρχοντες κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν.
13.7 βλέπω ὅτι τὸ φῶς καλόν ἐστιν.
13.8 μαρτυρεῖ ὅτι οὗτος ἐστὶν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ.
13.9 ἐγένετο ὅτι ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἦλθεν βασιλεύς.
13.10 θαυμάζω ὅτι οὕτως ταχέως μετατίθεσθε.
13.11 ἀπεκρίθη ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν.
13.12 φοβοῦμαι ὅτι μὴ εὕρω ὑμᾶς οἵους θέλω.
13.13 χαίρω ὅτι ἦλθες πρὸς ἡμᾶς.
13.14 ἔγραψα ὑμῖν ὅτι ἰσχυροί ἐστε.
13.15 νομίζουσιν ὅτι σοφοί εἰσιν.
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Primary Functions of ὅτι: -
Introducing Indirect Discourse -
After verbs of saying: λέγω ὅτι (I say that) -
After verbs of thinking: νομίζω ὅτι (I think that) -
After verbs of perceiving: βλέπω ὅτι (I see that) -
After verbs of knowing: οἶδα ὅτι (I know that) -
Causal Use -
ὅτι can mean "because" or "for" -
Context determines whether it means "that" or "because" -
Often the causal use appears at the beginning of a clause -
Recitative ὅτι -
Sometimes ὅτι introduces direct speech -
In these cases, it functions like a quotation mark -
Can often be left untranslated in English
Step-by-Step Guide for Understanding ὅτι Clauses:
Step 1: Identify the main verb before ὅτι Step 2: Determine if it's a verb of mental activity, speaking, or perception Step 3: Check if ὅτι introduces a statement (that) or gives a reason (because) Step 4: Note that the verb after ὅτι usually stays in the indicative mood Step 5: Translate maintaining the natural word order of the target language
Common Mistakes: -
Confusing ὅτι with ὅστις -
ὅτι = that/because (conjunction) -
ὅστις = whoever/whatever (relative pronoun) -
Mood confusion -
English learners often expect subjunctive after ὅτι -
Greek typically uses indicative in ὅτι clauses -
Exception: ὅτι μή (lest/that not) may take subjunctive -
Omission errors -
Greek requires ὅτι where English might omit "that" -
"I know he is coming" = οἶδα ὅτι ἔρχεται (not *οἶδα ἔρχεται) -
Word order -
Don't rearrange Greek word order to match English -
Greek allows more flexible placement of ὅτι clauses
Comparison with English:
English "that": -
Often optional: "I think (that) he's coming" -
Position relatively fixed -
No accent or breathing marks
Greek ὅτι: -
Usually required, not optional -
Can appear in various positions -
Written with smooth breathing and acute accent -
Can mean both "that" and "because"
Grammatical Summary:
Form: ὅτι (indeclinable conjunction) Breathing: smooth (ὅ-) Accent: acute on first syllable (ό-) Function: subordinating conjunction Mood following: typically indicative Negation: usually οὐ (not μή) in indicative clauses
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The conjunction ὅτι plays a crucial role in Greek philosophical and religious discourse. In the Hellenistic period, when Koine Greek served as the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean, ὅτι became essential for expressing complex theological and philosophical ideas.
Philosophical Context: Greek philosophers used ὅτι extensively to introduce propositions and logical statements. The Stoics, for instance, employed ὅτι-clauses to articulate their beliefs about the nature of reality and ethics. When Epictetus says "Remember that you are an actor in a play," the Greek uses ὅτι to introduce this fundamental Stoic teaching.
Religious Context: In the Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures) and New Testament, ὅτι appears thousands of times. It's particularly important in: -
Credal statements: "We believe that..." (πιστεύομεν ὅτι...) -
Prophetic declarations: "Thus says the Lord that..." -
Gospel narratives reporting Jesus' teachings
Translation History: Early translators of Greek texts into Latin faced challenges with ὅτι, as Latin "quod" and "quia" divided its functions. This division influenced how European languages developed their own conjunctions, explaining why English has both "that" and "because" where Greek uses one word.
Archaeological Evidence: Papyri from Egypt show ὅτι in everyday use - in letters, contracts, and legal documents. A merchant might write "I inform you that the goods have arrived" (γνωρίζω σοι ὅτι τὰ πράγματα ἦλθεν), showing how this conjunction operated across all levels of society.
Modern Relevance: Understanding ὅτι is essential for: -
Reading ancient philosophical texts in the original -
Studying early Christian writings -
Analyzing classical rhetoric and argumentation -
Appreciating the precision of Greek logical expression
The frequency of ὅτι in preserved texts - appearing on average every 50-60 words in the New Testament - demonstrates its fundamental importance to Greek expression and thought.
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Source: Gospel of John 3:16 with surrounding context (John 3:14-17)
καὶ (kai) and καθὼς (ka-thōs) just-as Μωϋσῆς (Mō-y-sēs) Moses ὕψωσεν (hyp-sō-sen) lifted-up τὸν (ton) the ὄφιν (o-phin) serpent ἐν (en) in τῇ (tē) the ἐρήμῳ (e-rē-mō) wilderness οὕτως (hou-tōs) thus ὑψωθῆναι (hyp-sō-thē-nai) to-be-lifted-up δεῖ (dei) it-is-necessary τὸν (ton) the υἱὸν (hui-on) Son τοῦ (tou) of-the ἀνθρώπου (an-thrō-pou) man ἵνα (hi-na) so-that πᾶς (pas) everyone ὁ (ho) the πιστεύων (pis-teu-ōn) believing ἐν (en) in αὐτῷ (au-tō) him ἔχῃ (e-khē) may-have ζωὴν (zō-ēn) life αἰώνιον (ai-ō-ni-on) eternal Οὕτως (hou-tōs) For-thus γὰρ (gar) indeed ἠγάπησεν (ē-ga-pē-sen) loved ὁ (ho) the θεὸς (the-os) God τὸν (ton) the κόσμον (kos-mon) world ὥστε (hōs-te) so-that τὸν (ton) the υἱὸν (hui-on) Son τὸν (ton) the μονογενῆ (mo-no-ge-nē) only-begotten ἔδωκεν (e-dō-ken) he-gave ἵνα (hi-na) in-order-that πᾶς (pas) everyone ὁ (ho) the πιστεύων (pis-teu-ōn) believing εἰς (eis) in αὐτὸν (au-ton) him μὴ (mē) not ἀπόληται (a-po-lē-tai) should-perish ἀλλὰ (al-la) but ἔχῃ (e-khē) should-have ζωὴν (zō-ēn) life αἰώνιον (ai-ō-ni-on) eternal οὐ (ou) not γὰρ (gar) for ἀπέστειλεν (a-pe-stei-len) sent ὁ (ho) the θεὸς (the-os) God τὸν (ton) the υἱὸν (hui-on) Son εἰς (eis) into τὸν (ton) the κόσμον (kos-mon) world ἵνα (hi-na) in-order-to κρίνῃ (kri-nē) judge τὸν (ton) the κόσμον (kos-mon) world ἀλλ' (all) but ἵνα (hi-na) in-order-that σωθῇ (sō-thē) might-be-saved ὁ (ho) the κόσμος (kos-mos) world δι' (di) through αὐτοῦ (au-tou) him
καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐν αὐτῷ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλὰ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that everyone believing in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that everyone believing in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐν αὐτῷ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλὰ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.
This passage, though not containing ὅτι directly, demonstrates the rich variety of Greek conjunctions and purpose clauses that work alongside ὅτι in complex theological discourse:
Key Conjunctions and Their Functions: -
καθώς...οὕτως: "just as...so" - comparative construction -
ὥστε: "so that" - result clause (related to ὅτι in function) -
ἵνα: "in order that" - purpose clause (often interchangeable with ὅτι in later Greek) -
γάρ: "for" - explanatory (similar to causal ὅτι) -
ἀλλά: "but" - adversative conjunction
Syntactical Observations: -
The passage shows typical Johannine style with parallel constructions -
Purpose clauses (ἵνα) dominate, showing intended results -
The verb ἠγάπησεν (loved) could have been followed by ὅτι-clause in other constructions -
Note the subjunctive mood after ἵνα (ἔχῃ, ἀπόληται, κρίνῃ, σωθῇ)
Cultural and Archaeological Context: This passage represents the pinnacle of Koine Greek's role as a vehicle for religious expression. Found in numerous papyri from the 2nd century CE onward, John 3:16 became one of the most copied verses in antiquity. The sophisticated use of conjunctions to express causation, purpose, and result demonstrates how Greek philosophical precision was applied to theological concepts. The reference to Moses and the serpent (Numbers 21:8-9) shows how Jewish scriptural interpretation was expressed through Greek syntactical structures, creating a new form of religious literature that would influence Western thought for millennia.
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13.16 ὁ (ho) the φιλόσοφος (phi-lo-so-phos) philosopher διδάσκει (di-das-kei) teaches ὅτι (ho-ti) that πάντα (pan-ta) all-things ῥεῖ (rhei) flow καὶ (kai) and οὐδὲν (ou-den) nothing μένει (me-nei) remains
13.17 Σωκράτης (Sō-kra-tēs) Socrates ἔλεγεν (e-le-gen) used-to-say ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἓν (hen) one οἶδα (oi-da) I-know ὅτι (ho-ti) that οὐδὲν (ou-den) nothing οἶδα (oi-da) I-know
13.18 δῆλον (dē-lon) clear ἐστιν (es-tin) it-is ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the ψυχὴ (psy-khē) soul ἀθάνατός (a-tha-na-tos) immortal ἐστιν (es-tin) is
13.19 λέγουσιν (le-gou-sin) they-say οἱ (hoi) the σοφοὶ (so-phoi) wise-men ὅτι (ho-ti) that ὁ (ho) the χρόνος (khro-nos) time πάντα (pan-ta) all-things ἀποκαλύπτει (a-po-ka-lyp-tei) reveals
13.20 μανθάνομεν (man-tha-no-men) we-learn ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the ἀρετὴ (a-re-tē) virtue διδακτόν (di-dak-ton) teachable ἐστιν (es-tin) is
13.21 πιστεύει (pis-teu-ei) he-believes ὅτι (ho-ti) that ὁ (ho) the κόσμος (kos-mos) world λόγον (lo-gon) reason ἔχει (e-khei) has
13.22 γράφει (gra-phei) he-writes ὅτι (ho-ti) that οἱ (hoi) the ἄνθρωποι (an-thrō-poi) humans φύσει (phy-sei) by-nature πολιτικοὶ (po-li-ti-koi) political ζῷα (zō-a) animals εἰσίν (ei-sin) are
13.23 ἀποδείκνυσιν (a-po-deik-ny-sin) he-demonstrates ὅτι (ho-ti) that τὸ (to) the ἀγαθὸν (a-ga-thon) good πάντων (pan-tōn) of-all τέλος (te-los) end ἐστίν (es-tin) is
13.24 νομίζει (no-mi-zei) he-thinks ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the εὐδαιμονία (eu-dai-mo-ni-a) happiness ἐν (en) in ἀρετῇ (a-re-tē) virtue κεῖται (kei-tai) lies
13.25 φησὶν (phē-sin) he-says ὅτι (ho-ti) that τὸ (to) the γνῶθι (gnō-thi) know σεαυτὸν (se-au-ton) yourself ἀρχὴ (ar-khē) beginning σοφίας (so-phi-as) of-wisdom ἐστίν (es-tin) is
13.26 διαλέγεται (di-a-le-ge-tai) he-discusses ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the δικαιοσύνη (di-kai-o-sy-nē) justice ὠφελεῖ (ō-phe-lei) benefits τὴν (tēn) the πόλιν (po-lin) city
13.27 ἀκούομεν (a-kou-o-men) we-hear ὅτι (ho-ti) that οἱ (hoi) the θεοὶ (the-oi) gods φιλοῦσι (phi-lou-si) love τοὺς (tous) the δικαίους (di-kai-ous) just
13.28 θεωρεῖ (the-ō-rei) he-contemplates ὅτι (ho-ti) that τὰ (ta) the πάντα (pan-ta) all-things ἐξ (ex) from ἑνὸς (he-nos) one γίνεται (gi-ne-tai) come
13.29 συμπεραίνει (sym-pe-rai-nei) he-concludes ὅτι (ho-ti) that ὁ (ho) the νοῦς (nous) mind κυριεύει (ky-ri-eu-ei) rules τοῦ (tou) the σώματος (sō-ma-tos) body
13.30 παραδίδωσιν (pa-ra-di-dō-sin) he-hands-down ὅτι (ho-ti) that ἡ (hē) the φιλοσοφία (phi-lo-so-phi-a) philosophy ἐστὶν (es-tin) is μελέτη (me-le-tē) practice θανάτου (tha-na-tou) of-death
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13.16 ὁ φιλόσοφος διδάσκει ὅτι πάντα ῥεῖ καὶ οὐδὲν μένει. The philosopher teaches that everything flows and nothing remains.
13.17 Σωκράτης ἔλεγεν ὅτι ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα. Socrates used to say that one thing I know, that I know nothing.
13.18 δῆλόν ἐστιν ὅτι ἡ ψυχὴ ἀθάνατός ἐστιν. It is clear that the soul is immortal.
13.19 λέγουσιν οἱ σοφοὶ ὅτι ὁ χρόνος πάντα ἀποκαλύπτει. The wise men say that time reveals all things.
13.20 μανθάνομεν ὅτι ἡ ἀρετὴ διδακτόν ἐστιν. We learn that virtue is teachable.
13.21 πιστεύει ὅτι ὁ κόσμος λόγον ἔχει. He believes that the world has reason.
13.22 γράφει ὅτι οἱ ἄνθρωποι φύσει πολιτικοὶ ζῷά εἰσιν. He writes that humans are by nature political animals.
13.23 ἀποδείκνυσιν ὅτι τὸ ἀγαθὸν πάντων τέλος ἐστίν. He demonstrates that the good is the end of all things.
13.24 νομίζει ὅτι ἡ εὐδαιμονία ἐν ἀρετῇ κεῖται. He thinks that happiness lies in virtue.
13.25 φησὶν ὅτι τὸ γνῶθι σεαυτὸν ἀρχὴ σοφίας ἐστίν. He says that "know yourself" is the beginning of wisdom.
13.26 διαλέγεται ὅτι ἡ δικαιοσύνη ὠφελεῖ τὴν πόλιν. He discusses that justice benefits the city.
13.27 ἀκούομεν ὅτι οἱ θεοὶ φιλοῦσι τοὺς δικαίους. We hear that the gods love the just.
13.28 θεωρεῖ ὅτι τὰ πάντα ἐξ ἑνὸς γίνεται. He contemplates that all things come from one.
13.29 συμπεραίνει ὅτι ὁ νοῦς κυριεύει τοῦ σώματος. He concludes that the mind rules the body.
13.30 παραδίδωσιν ὅτι ἡ φιλοσοφία ἐστὶν μελέτη θανάτου. He hands down (the tradition) that philosophy is the practice of death.
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13.16 ὁ φιλόσοφος διδάσκει ὅτι πάντα ῥεῖ καὶ οὐδὲν μένει.
13.17 Σωκράτης ἔλεγεν ὅτι ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα.
13.18 δῆλόν ἐστιν ὅτι ἡ ψυχὴ ἀθάνατός ἐστιν.
13.19 λέγουσιν οἱ σοφοὶ ὅτι ὁ χρόνος πάντα ἀποκαλύπτει.
13.20 μανθάνομεν ὅτι ἡ ἀρετὴ διδακτόν ἐστιν.
13.21 πιστεύει ὅτι ὁ κόσμος λόγον ἔχει.
13.22 γράφει ὅτι οἱ ἄνθρωποι φύσει πολιτικοὶ ζῷά εἰσιν.
13.23 ἀποδείκνυσιν ὅτι τὸ ἀγαθὸν πάντων τέλος ἐστίν.
13.24 νομίζει ὅτι ἡ εὐδαιμονία ἐν ἀρετῇ κεῖται.
13.25 φησὶν ὅτι τὸ γνῶθι σεαυτὸν ἀρχὴ σοφίας ἐστίν.
13.26 διαλέγεται ὅτι ἡ δικαιοσύνη ὠφελεῖ τὴν πόλιν.
13.27 ἀκούομεν ὅτι οἱ θεοὶ φιλοῦσι τοὺς δικαίους.
13.28 θεωρεῖ ὅτι τὰ πάντα ἐξ ἑνὸς γίνεται.
13.29 συμπεραίνει ὅτι ὁ νοῦς κυριεύει τοῦ σώματος.
13.30 παραδίδωσιν ὅτι ἡ φιλοσοφία ἐστὶν μελέτη θανάτου.
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1. Double ὅτι Construction Example 13.17 shows a sophisticated use: ὅτι ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα -
First ὅτι introduces the entire statement -
Second ὅτι introduces what is known -
This creates layered indirect discourse
2. Philosophical Vocabulary with ὅτι Common verbs in philosophical texts preceding ὅτι: -
διδάσκει (teaches) - for doctrinal statements -
ἀποδείκνυσιν (demonstrates) - for logical proofs -
θεωρεῖ (contemplates) - for theoretical positions -
συμπεραίνει (concludes) - for logical conclusions -
παραδίδωσιν (hands down) - for traditional teachings
3. Abstract Concepts as Subjects In philosophical Greek, abstract nouns often serve as subjects in ὅτι clauses: -
ἡ ψυχή (the soul) -
ἡ ἀρετή (virtue) -
ἡ εὐδαιμονία (happiness) -
ἡ δικαιοσύνη (justice) -
ἡ φιλοσοφία (philosophy)
4. Impersonal Constructions δῆλόν ἐστιν ὅτι (it is clear that) represents typical philosophical style: -
Neuter adjective + ἐστιν + ὅτι -
Creates objective, impersonal tone -
Common in logical arguments
5. Traditional Philosophical Formulas -
πάντα ῥεῖ (everything flows) - Heraclitus -
γνῶθι σεαυτόν (know yourself) - Delphic maxim -
Embedded in ὅτι clauses for discussion
6. Word Order in Philosophical ὅτι Clauses -
Subject often precedes verb for emphasis -
Abstract nouns frequently in initial position -
Predicative expressions carefully positioned
7. Tense Usage in Philosophical Statements -
Present tense for timeless truths -
Perfect for established states -
Aorist for historical philosophical positions
8. Distinction from Religious Usage Philosophical ὅτι emphasizes: -
Logical demonstration (not revelation) -
Rational argument (not faith statements) -
Universal principles (not specific commands)
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The Latinum Institute has been pioneering online ancient language education since 2006, developing innovative methods for autodidactic learners worldwide. These Koine Greek lessons employ the comprehensible input method, presenting authentic texts with detailed interlinear glossing to facilitate natural language acquisition.
Course Methodology: Drawing from the latest research in second language acquisition, these lessons follow the approach detailed at https://latinum.substack.com/p/method. Each lesson provides: -
Extensive comprehensible input through interlinear texts -
Gradual complexity increase -
Multiple exposures to key vocabulary and structures -
Cultural and historical context for deeper understanding
Why This Approach Works: Traditional grammar-translation methods often leave students unable to read fluently. The Latinum Institute's approach, refined over nearly two decades, enables learners to: -
Read authentic Greek texts with understanding -
Internalize grammatical patterns naturally -
Build extensive passive vocabulary -
Develop intuitive feel for Greek syntax
Course Structure: Each lesson focuses on a single high-frequency word or grammatical element, providing: -
30 example sentences in increasing complexity -
Genre-specific sections for varied exposure -
Literary citations from authentic sources -
Comprehensive grammar explanations when needed
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Additional Resources: -
Complete course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index -
Methodology explanation: https://latinum.org.uk -
Audio resources and additional materials available through subscription
For Autodidacts: These lessons are specifically designed for independent learners. No prior knowledge of Greek is assumed beyond basic alphabet recognition. Each lesson is self-contained, allowing flexible study pace and review as needed.
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