This lesson explores the Koine Greek preposition ἐν (en), which commonly translates to "at" or "in" in English. As an autodidact studying Koine Greek, understanding prepositions like ἐν is crucial for comprehending the spatial, temporal, and metaphorical relationships expressed in Greek texts. This preposition appears frequently throughout the New Testament, Septuagint, and other Hellenistic literature, making it essential for reading comprehension.
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The preposition ἐν takes the dative case and is one of the most versatile prepositions in Koine Greek. While it often translates as "at," it can also mean "in," "on," "among," "by," or "with" depending on context. In this lesson, we'll focus primarily on its use meaning "at" in various contexts.
Q: What does "at" mean in Koine Greek? A: The most common Koine Greek word for "at" is ἐν (en), which takes the dative case. It indicates location, time, or circumstance. Other prepositions like πρός (pros) with accusative, παρά (para) with dative, and ἐπί (epi) with various cases can also translate as "at" in specific contexts.
In this lesson, ἐν will appear in 15 varied examples showing its use in different contexts - spatial location ("at the temple"), temporal expressions ("at dawn"), and metaphorical uses ("at peace"). Each example demonstrates natural Greek syntax with the preposition appearing in different positions within the sentence, helping you recognize and use it flexibly in your own reading and composition.
Course Title: Koine Greek Language Learning Subject: Ancient Greek Language Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: The Preposition ἐν (at/in) Learning Objectives: Students will learn to recognize, understand, and properly use the preposition ἐν in various contexts Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Greek alphabet and dative case Duration: Self-paced study, approximately 45-60 minutes
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ἐν is the primary Koine Greek preposition meaning "at" and always takes the dative case -
The preposition can express location, time, sphere of activity, or means -
Word order in Greek is flexible - ἐν can appear before its object or be separated from it -
Context determines whether ἐν should be translated as "at," "in," "on," "among," or "by" -
Understanding ἐν is essential for reading New Testament and Hellenistic Greek texts
27.1a ὁ the (ho) ἄνθρωπος man (AN-thrō-pos) ἐστὶν is (es-TIN) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) οἴκῳ house (OI-kō) 27.1b ὁ (ho) the ἄνθρωπος (AN-thrō-pos) man ἐστὶν (es-TIN) is ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the οἴκῳ (OI-kō) house
27.2a εὗρον found (HEU-ron) αὐτὸν him (au-TON) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) ἀγορᾷ marketplace (a-go-RA) 27.2b εὗρον (HEU-ron) found αὐτὸν (au-TON) him ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the ἀγορᾷ (a-go-RA) marketplace
27.3a ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) ἀρχῇ beginning (ar-KHĒ) ἦν was (ēn) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (LO-gos) 27.3b ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the ἀρχῇ (ar-KHĒ) beginning ἦν (ēn) was ὁ (ho) the λόγος (LO-gos) word
27.4a προσεύχονται pray (pro-SEU-khon-tai) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) ἱερῷ temple (hi-e-RŌ) καθημερινῶς daily (ka-thē-me-ri-NŌS) 27.4b προσεύχονται (pro-SEU-khon-tai) pray ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the ἱερῷ (hi-e-RŌ) temple καθημερινῶς (ka-thē-me-ri-NŌS) daily
27.5a ὁ the (ho) βασιλεὺς king (ba-si-LEUS) κάθηται sits (KA-thē-tai) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) θρόνῳ throne (THRO-nō) αὐτοῦ his (au-TOU) 27.5b ὁ (ho) the βασιλεὺς (ba-si-LEUS) king κάθηται (KA-thē-tai) sits ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the θρόνῳ (THRO-nō) throne αὐτοῦ (au-TOU) his
27.6a συνήχθησαν gathered (sy-NĒKH-thē-san) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) συναγωγῇ synagogue (sy-na-gō-GĒ) οἱ the (hoi) μαθηταί disciples (ma-thē-TAI) 27.6b συνήχθησαν (sy-NĒKH-thē-san) gathered ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the συναγωγῇ (sy-na-gō-GĒ) synagogue οἱ (hoi) the μαθηταί (ma-thē-TAI) disciples
27.7a μένει remains (ME-nei) ἐν at (en) Ἱεροσολύμοις Jerusalem (Hi-e-ro-so-LY-mois) ὁ the (ho) ἀδελφός brother (a-del-PHOS) μου my (mou) 27.7b μένει (ME-nei) remains ἐν (en) at Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hi-e-ro-so-LY-mois) Jerusalem ὁ (ho) the ἀδελφός (a-del-PHOS) brother μου (mou) my
27.8a ἐν at (en) ἐκείνῃ that (e-KEI-nē) τῇ the (tē) ὥρᾳ hour (HŌ-ra) ἦλθον came (ĒL-thon) οἱ the (hoi) στρατιῶται soldiers (stra-ti-Ō-tai) 27.8b ἐν (en) at ἐκείνῃ (e-KEI-nē) that τῇ (tē) the ὥρᾳ (HŌ-ra) hour ἦλθον (ĒL-thon) came οἱ (hoi) the στρατιῶται (stra-ti-Ō-tai) soldiers
27.9a τὰ the (ta) παιδία children (pai-DI-a) παίζει plays (PAI-zei) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) αὐλῇ courtyard (au-LĒ) 27.9b τὰ (ta) the παιδία (pai-DI-a) children παίζει (PAI-zei) plays ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the αὐλῇ (au-LĒ) courtyard
27.10a εἰρήνη peace (ei-RĒ-nē) ἐστὶν is (es-TIN) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) καρδίᾳ heart (kar-DI-a) αὐτῆς her (au-TĒS) 27.10b εἰρήνη (ei-RĒ-nē) peace ἐστὶν (es-TIN) is ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the καρδίᾳ (kar-DI-a) heart αὐτῆς (au-TĒS) her
27.11a ἐδίδασκεν was-teaching (e-DI-das-ken) ἐν at (en) ταῖς the (tais) συναγωγαῖς synagogues (sy-na-gō-GAIS) κατὰ according-to (ka-TA) τὸ the (to) σάββατον sabbath (SAB-ba-ton) 27.11b ἐδίδασκεν (e-DI-das-ken) was-teaching ἐν (en) at ταῖς (tais) the συναγωγαῖς (sy-na-gō-GAIS) synagogues κατὰ (ka-TA) according-to τὸ (to) the σάββατον (SAB-ba-ton) sabbath
27.12a γράφει writes (GRA-phei) ἐπιστολὴν letter (e-pi-sto-LĒN) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) δωματίῳ room (dō-ma-TI-ō) αὐτοῦ his (au-TOU) 27.12b γράφει (GRA-phei) writes ἐπιστολὴν (e-pi-sto-LĒN) letter ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the δωματίῳ (dō-ma-TI-ō) room αὐτοῦ (au-TOU) his
27.13a ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) πρωΐ early-morning (prō-I) ἀνέστη rose (a-NES-tē) ὁ the (ho) ἥλιος sun (HĒ-li-os) 27.13b ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the πρωΐ (prō-I) early-morning ἀνέστη (a-NES-tē) rose ὁ (ho) the ἥλιος (HĒ-li-os) sun
27.14a ἵστανται stand (HIS-tan-tai) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) πύλῃ gate (PY-lē) οἱ the (hoi) φύλακες guards (PHY-la-kes) 27.14b ἵστανται (HIS-tan-tai) stand ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the πύλῃ (PY-lē) gate οἱ (hoi) the φύλακες (PHY-la-kes) guards
27.15a χαρὰ joy (kha-RA) μεγάλη great (me-GA-lē) ἐγένετο happened (e-GE-ne-to) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) πόλει city (PO-lei) ἐκείνῃ that (e-KEI-nē) 27.15b χαρὰ (kha-RA) joy μεγάλη (me-GA-lē) great ἐγένετο (e-GE-ne-to) happened ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the πόλει (PO-lei) city ἐκείνῃ (e-KEI-nē) that
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27.1 ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ. The man is at the house.
27.2 εὗρον αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ. They found him at the marketplace.
27.3 ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος. In the beginning was the Word.
27.4 προσεύχονται ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καθημερινῶς. They pray at the temple daily.
27.5 ὁ βασιλεὺς κάθηται ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ αὐτοῦ. The king sits at his throne.
27.6 συνήχθησαν ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ οἱ μαθηταί. The disciples gathered at the synagogue.
27.7 μένει ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ὁ ἀδελφός μου. My brother remains at Jerusalem.
27.8 ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἦλθον οἱ στρατιῶται. At that hour the soldiers came.
27.9 τὰ παιδία παίζει ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ. The children play at the courtyard.
27.10 εἰρήνη ἐστὶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς. Peace is in her heart.
27.11 ἐδίδασκεν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς κατὰ τὸ σάββατον. He was teaching at the synagogues on the sabbath.
27.12 γράφει ἐπιστολὴν ἐν τῷ δωματίῳ αὐτοῦ. He writes a letter at his room.
27.13 ἐν τῷ πρωΐ ἀνέστη ὁ ἥλιος. At dawn the sun rose.
27.14 ἵστανται ἐν τῇ πύλῃ οἱ φύλακες. The guards stand at the gate.
27.15 χαρὰ μεγάλη ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ. Great joy happened at that city.
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27.1 ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ.
27.2 εὗρον αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ.
27.3 ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος.
27.4 προσεύχονται ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καθημερινῶς.
27.5 ὁ βασιλεὺς κάθηται ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ αὐτοῦ.
27.6 συνήχθησαν ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ οἱ μαθηταί.
27.7 μένει ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ὁ ἀδελφός μου.
27.8 ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἦλθον οἱ στρατιῶται.
27.9 τὰ παιδία παίζει ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ.
27.10 εἰρήνη ἐστὶν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς.
27.11 ἐδίδασκεν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς κατὰ τὸ σάββατον.
27.12 γράφει ἐπιστολὴν ἐν τῷ δωματίῳ αὐτοῦ.
27.13 ἐν τῷ πρωΐ ἀνέστη ὁ ἥλιος.
27.14 ἵστανται ἐν τῇ πύλῃ οἱ φύλακες.
27.15 χαρὰ μεγάλη ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ.
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The preposition ἐν is one of the most frequently used prepositions in Koine Greek. Here are the essential grammar rules: -
Case Requirement: ἐν ALWAYS takes the dative case. This is invariable - you will never see ἐν with accusative or genitive. -
Basic Meanings: -
Location: "at, in" (ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ - at/in the house) -
Time: "at, during" (ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ - at the hour) -
Sphere/State: "in" (ἐν εἰρήνῃ - in peace) -
Means/Instrument: "by, with" (ἐν τῷ πνεύματι - by the Spirit) -
Word Order: Unlike English, Greek word order is flexible. ἐν can: -
Directly precede its object: ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ -
Be separated from its object: ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ (with demonstrative between) -
Begin a sentence for emphasis: ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος
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Case Error: The most common mistake is using ἐν with accusative or genitive. Remember: ἐν + dative ONLY. -
Wrong: ἐν τὸν οἶκον (accusative) -
Right: ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ (dative) -
Over-translation: English speakers often want to translate every ἐν as "at," but context matters: -
ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ = "in the heart" (not "at the heart") -
ἐν τῷ πνεύματι = "by/in the Spirit" (not "at the Spirit") -
Article Confusion: When ἐν is used with a noun, the article usually appears: -
ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ (in the house) - article present -
ἐν οἴκῳ (in a house) - less common, more indefinite -
Confusing Similar Prepositions: -
εἰς + accusative = "into" (motion toward) -
ἐν + dative = "in/at" (location) -
ἐκ + genitive = "out of" (motion from)
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English Preposition Variety vs. Greek Simplicity: -
English uses many prepositions where Greek uses ἐν: at, in, on, among, by, with -
Greek ἐν covers a broader semantic range than any single English preposition -
Word Order Differences: -
English: Preposition must immediately precede its object -
Greek: Preposition can be separated from its object by modifiers -
Article Usage: -
English: "at home" (no article) -
Greek: ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ (article required in most contexts)
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Identify what you want to express: -
Location? Time? Means? State? -
Put the noun in dative case: -
Singular: -ῳ, -ῃ, -ι endings -
Plural: -οις, -αις, -σι endings -
Add the article in dative: -
Masculine singular: τῷ -
Feminine singular: τῇ -
Neuter singular: τῷ -
Plural: τοῖς (m/n), ταῖς (f) -
Place ἐν before the article + noun phrase: -
ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ (in the house) -
ἐν τῇ πόλει (in the city) -
ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (in the heavens)
Form: ἐν (invariable - never changes form) Case Required: Dative only Primary Meanings: at, in, on, among, by, with Frequency: Extremely common (over 2,700 times in NT) Can Express: -
Static location (at/in a place) -
Temporal location (at a time) -
Sphere of activity (in a state) -
Means or instrument (by/with) -
Association (among people)
Dative Forms to Remember: -
2nd Declension Masculine/Neuter: -ῳ (singular), -οις (plural) -
1st Declension Feminine: -ῃ or -ᾳ (singular), -αις (plural) -
3rd Declension: various endings in -ι (singular), -σι (plural)
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Understanding the preposition ἐν requires appreciating its role in the Hellenistic world where Koine Greek served as the lingua franca. The concept of location expressed by ἐν extended beyond mere physical space to encompass social, spiritual, and temporal dimensions that were central to ancient Mediterranean culture.
In the Greco-Roman world, being "at" a location often implied participation in the activities associated with that place. When someone was ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ (at the marketplace), they weren't merely present physically but engaged in the commercial, social, and political life that characterized these spaces. The agora served as more than a market - it was the heart of civic life where citizens gathered to trade, discuss politics, hear news, and conduct legal business.
Similarly, being ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ (at the temple) or ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ (at the synagogue) implied religious participation. For Greek speakers in the eastern Mediterranean, including Hellenistic Jews, these prepositional phrases carried rich connotations of worship, community gathering, and religious instruction. The Jerusalem Temple, for instance, wasn't just a building but the center of Jewish religious life, and being "at the Temple" meant participating in the sacrificial system, prayers, and festivals that defined Jewish identity.
The temporal uses of ἐν also reflect ancient time-keeping practices. Phrases like ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ (at the hour) or ἐν τῷ σαββάτῳ (on the Sabbath) show how time was marked by natural phenomena, religious observances, and daily routines rather than mechanical clocks. The day began at sunset, hours were counted from sunrise, and religious festivals structured the calendar.
The metaphorical uses of ἐν reveal Greek philosophical and religious thought. Being ἐν εἰρήνῃ (in peace) or ἐν τῷ πνεύματι (in the Spirit) reflects concepts where states of being were conceived as spheres or realms one could inhabit. This spatial metaphor for abstract concepts was fundamental to how Greek speakers understood psychology, ethics, and spirituality.
For English speakers learning Koine Greek, it's important to recognize that ἐν often carries implications that go beyond simple location. The preposition can indicate the sphere of power or influence (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι - "in the name of"), the means by which something is accomplished (ἐν μαχαίρῃ - "by sword"), or the standard by which something is measured (ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ - "in righteousness").
This rich semantic range of ἐν reflects the Greek tendency to think in terms of relationships and connections rather than isolated objects or actions. Understanding this helps modern readers appreciate why Greek authors chose ἐν in contexts where English might use various different prepositions, and why translation must always consider the broader cultural and conceptual framework within which the preposition operates.
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From the Gospel of John 1:1-5, 14 (Greek New Testament)
ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) ἀρχῇ beginning (ar-KHĒ) ἦν was (ēn) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (LO-gos) καὶ and (kai) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (LO-gos) ἦν was (ēn) πρὸς with (pros) τὸν the (ton) θεόν God (the-ON) καὶ and (kai) θεὸς God (the-OS) ἦν was (ēn) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (LO-gos) οὗτος this-one (HOU-tos) ἦν was (ēn) ἐν in (en) ἀρχῇ beginning (ar-KHĒ) πρὸς with (pros) τὸν the (ton) θεόν God (the-ON) πάντα all-things (PAN-ta) δι' through (di) αὐτοῦ him (au-TOU) ἐγένετο came-to-be (e-GE-ne-to) καὶ and (kai) ἐν in (en) αὐτῷ him (au-TŌ) ζωὴ life (zō-Ē) ἦν was (ēn) καὶ and (kai) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (LO-gos) σὰρξ flesh (sarks) ἐγένετο became (e-GE-ne-to) καὶ and (kai) ἐσκήνωσεν dwelt (e-SKĒ-nō-sen) ἐν among (en) ἡμῖν us (hē-MIN)
Ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος. οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν. πάντα δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο... ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν... καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him... in him was life... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος. οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν. πάντα δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο... ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν... καὶ ὁ λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν.
This passage from John's Gospel demonstrates three significant uses of ἐν. First, the famous opening ἐν τῇ ἀρχῇ ("in the beginning") establishes a temporal setting that echoes Genesis 1:1 in the Septuagint, positioning the narrative at the very origin of creation. The preposition here indicates not just a point in time but the foundational moment of all existence.
The second instance, ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν ("in him was life"), uses ἐν to express the sphere or locus of life itself. This metaphysical use shows how Greek authors used spatial prepositions to describe abstract theological concepts - life doesn't merely come from the Logos but exists within him as its proper sphere.
The third use, ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν ("dwelt among us"), employs ἐν with a plural pronoun to indicate presence within a community. The verb ἐσκήνωσεν literally means "pitched his tent," evoking the Old Testament tabernacle, while ἐν ἡμῖν emphasizes the intimate presence of the divine within human community. This shows how ἐν can express both physical location and relational presence.
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27.16a ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) πρώτῳ first (PRŌ-tō) ἔτει year (E-tei) τοῦ of-the (tou) Κύρου Cyrus (KY-rou) βασιλέως king (ba-si-LE-ōs) ἐξῆλθεν went-out (ek-SĒL-then) τὸ the (to) πρόσταγμα decree (PROS-tag-ma) 27.16b ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the πρώτῳ (PRŌ-tō) first ἔτει (E-tei) year τοῦ (tou) of-the Κύρου (KY-rou) Cyrus βασιλέως (ba-si-LE-ōs) king ἐξῆλθεν (ek-SĒL-then) went-out τὸ (to) the πρόσταγμα (PROS-tag-ma) decree
27.17a ἦσαν were (Ē-san) οἱ the (hoi) Ἰουδαῖοι Jews (I-ou-DAI-oi) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) Βαβυλῶνι Babylon (Ba-by-LŌ-ni) ἑβδομήκοντα seventy (heb-do-MĒ-kon-ta) ἔτη years (E-tē) 27.17b ἦσαν (Ē-san) were οἱ (hoi) the Ἰουδαῖοι (I-ou-DAI-oi) Jews ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the Βαβυλῶνι (Ba-by-LŌ-ni) Babylon ἑβδομήκοντα (heb-do-MĒ-kon-ta) seventy ἔτη (E-tē) years
27.18a συνήγαγεν assembled (sy-NĒ-ga-gen) ὁ the (ho) ἡγεμὼν governor (hē-ge-MŌN) τοὺς the (tous) πρεσβυτέρους elders (pres-by-TE-rous) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) μεγάλῃ great (me-GA-lē) αὐλῇ courtyard (au-LĒ) 27.18b συνήγαγεν (sy-NĒ-ga-gen) assembled ὁ (ho) the ἡγεμὼν (hē-ge-MŌN) governor τοὺς (tous) the πρεσβυτέρους (pres-by-TE-rous) elders ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the μεγάλῃ (me-GA-lē) great αὐλῇ (au-LĒ) courtyard
27.19a ἐν at (en) ἐκείναις those (e-KEI-nais) ταῖς the (tais) ἡμέραις days (hē-ME-rais) ἀνέβησαν went-up (a-NE-bē-san) εἰς to (eis) Ἱεροσόλυμα Jerusalem (Hi-e-ro-SO-ly-ma) τεσσαράκοντα forty (tes-sa-RA-kon-ta) χιλιάδες thousands (khi-li-A-des) 27.19b ἐν (en) at ἐκείναις (e-KEI-nais) those ταῖς (tais) the ἡμέραις (hē-ME-rais) days ἀνέβησαν (a-NE-bē-san) went-up εἰς (eis) to Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hi-e-ro-SO-ly-ma) Jerusalem τεσσαράκοντα (tes-sa-RA-kon-ta) forty χιλιάδες (khi-li-A-des) thousands
27.20a ᾠκοδόμησαν built (ō-ko-DO-mē-san) τὸν the (ton) ναὸν temple (na-ON) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) τόπῳ place (TO-pō) τοῦ of-the (tou) πρώτου first (PRŌ-tou) ναοῦ temple (na-OU) 27.20b ᾠκοδόμησαν (ō-ko-DO-mē-san) built τὸν (ton) the ναὸν (na-ON) temple ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the τόπῳ (TO-pō) place τοῦ (tou) of-the πρώτου (PRŌ-tou) first ναοῦ (na-OU) temple
27.21a ἐκήρυξεν proclaimed (e-KĒ-ryk-sen) ὁ the (ho) προφήτης prophet (pro-PHĒ-tēs) ἐν at (en) ταῖς the (tais) πλατείαις streets (pla-TEI-ais) τῆς of-the (tēs) πόλεως city (PO-le-ōs) 27.21b ἐκήρυξεν (e-KĒ-ryk-sen) proclaimed ὁ (ho) the προφήτης (pro-PHĒ-tēs) prophet ἐν (en) at ταῖς (tais) the πλατείαις (pla-TEI-ais) streets τῆς (tēs) of-the πόλεως (PO-le-ōs) city
27.22a ἔμεινεν remained (E-mei-nen) Ἔσδρας Ezra (ES-dras) ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) βιβλιοθήκῃ library (bib-li-o-THĒ-kē) μελετῶν studying (me-le-TŌN) τὸν the (ton) νόμον law (NO-mon) 27.22b ἔμεινεν (E-mei-nen) remained Ἔσδρας (ES-dras) Ezra ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the βιβλιοθήκῃ (bib-li-o-THĒ-kē) library μελετῶν (me-le-TŌN) studying τὸν (ton) the νόμον (NO-mon) law
27.23a ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) ἑορτῇ feast (he-or-TĒ) τῶν of-the (tōn) σκηνῶν tabernacles (skē-NŌN) χαρὰ joy (kha-RA) ἦν was (ēn) μεγάλη great (me-GA-lē) 27.23b ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the ἑορτῇ (he-or-TĒ) feast τῶν (tōn) of-the σκηνῶν (skē-NŌN) tabernacles χαρὰ (kha-RA) joy ἦν (ēn) was μεγάλη (me-GA-lē) great
27.24a διέμενον were-staying (di-E-me-non) οἱ the (hoi) φυγάδες exiles (phy-GA-des) ἐν at (en) ταῖς the (tais) πόλεσιν cities (PO-le-sin) τῆς of-the (tēs) διασπορᾶς dispersion (di-a-spo-RAS) 27.24b διέμενον (di-E-me-non) were-staying οἱ (hoi) the φυγάδες (phy-GA-des) exiles ἐν (en) at ταῖς (tais) the πόλεσιν (PO-le-sin) cities τῆς (tēs) of-the διασπορᾶς (di-a-spo-RAS) dispersion
27.25a ἐγράφησαν were-written (e-GRA-phē-san) τὰ the (ta) ὀνόματα names (o-NO-ma-ta) ἐν in (en) τῷ the (tō) βιβλίῳ book (bib-LI-ō) τῆς of-the (tēs) ζωῆς life (zō-ĒS) 27.25b ἐγράφησαν (e-GRA-phē-san) were-written τὰ (ta) the ὀνόματα (o-NO-ma-ta) names ἐν (en) in τῷ (tō) the βιβλίῳ (bib-LI-ō) book τῆς (tēs) of-the ζωῆς (zō-ĒS) life
27.26a κατέλυσαν lodged (ka-TE-ly-san) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) πανδοχείῳ inn (pan-do-KHEI-ō) ὅλην whole (HO-lēn) τὴν the (tēn) νύκτα night (NYK-ta) 27.26b κατέλυσαν (ka-TE-ly-san) lodged ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the πανδοχείῳ (pan-do-KHEI-ō) inn ὅλην (HO-lēn) whole τὴν (tēn) the νύκτα (NYK-ta) night
27.27a ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) τέλει end (TE-lei) τῆς of-the (tēs) ὁδοῦ journey (ho-DOU) εὗρον found (HEU-ron) τὴν the (tēn) πόλιν city (PO-lin) 27.27b ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the τέλει (TE-lei) end τῆς (tēs) of-the ὁδοῦ (ho-DOU) journey εὗρον (HEU-ron) found τὴν (tēn) the πόλιν (PO-lin) city
27.28a ἔκρυψαν hid (E-kryp-san) τὸν the (ton) θησαυρὸν treasure (thē-sau-RON) ἐν in (en) τῷ the (tō) σπηλαίῳ cave (spē-LAI-ō) τοῦ of-the (tou) ὄρους mountain (O-rous) 27.28b ἔκρυψαν (E-kryp-san) hid τὸν (ton) the θησαυρὸν (thē-sau-RON) treasure ἐν (en) in τῷ (tō) the σπηλαίῳ (spē-LAI-ō) cave τοῦ (tou) of-the ὄρους (O-rous) mountain
27.29a συνεβούλευσαν deliberated (sy-ne-BOU-leu-san) οἱ the (hoi) ἄρχοντες rulers (AR-khon-tes) ἐν at (en) τῷ the (tō) συνεδρίῳ council (sy-ne-DRI-ō) ὅλην whole (HO-lēn) τὴν the (tēn) ἡμέραν day (hē-ME-ran) 27.29b συνεβούλευσαν (sy-ne-BOU-leu-san) deliberated οἱ (hoi) the ἄρχοντες (AR-khon-tes) rulers ἐν (en) at τῷ (tō) the συνεδρίῳ (sy-ne-DRI-ō) council ὅλην (HO-lēn) whole τὴν (tēn) the ἡμέραν (hē-ME-ran) day
27.30a ἐν at (en) τῇ the (tē) ἐσχάτῃ last (es-KHA-tē) ἡμέρᾳ day (hē-ME-ra) ἐπέστρεψαν returned (e-PES-trep-san) πάντες all (PAN-tes) εἰς to (eis) τὰς the (tas) οἰκίας houses (oi-KI-as) αὐτῶν their (au-TŌN) 27.30b ἐν (en) at τῇ (tē) the ἐσχάτῃ (es-KHA-tē) last ἡμέρᾳ (hē-ME-ra) day ἐπέστρεψαν (e-PES-trep-san) returned πάντες (PAN-tes) all εἰς (eis) to τὰς (tas) the οἰκίας (oi-KI-as) houses αὐτῶν (au-TŌN) their
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27.16 ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ ἔτει τοῦ Κύρου βασιλέως ἐξῆλθεν τὸ πρόσταγμα. In the first year of King Cyrus, the decree went out.
27.17 ἦσαν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἐν τῇ Βαβυλῶνι ἑβδομήκοντα ἔτη. The Jews were in Babylon for seventy years.
27.18 συνήγαγεν ὁ ἡγεμὼν τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους ἐν τῇ μεγάλῃ αὐλῇ. The governor assembled the elders at the great courtyard.
27.19 ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἀνέβησαν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα τεσσαράκοντα χιλιάδες. In those days, forty thousand went up to Jerusalem.
27.20 ᾠκοδόμησαν τὸν ναὸν ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τοῦ πρώτου ναοῦ. They built the temple at the place of the first temple.
27.21 ἐκήρυξεν ὁ προφήτης ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις τῆς πόλεως. The prophet proclaimed in the streets of the city.
27.22 ἔμεινεν Ἔσδρας ἐν τῇ βιβλιοθήκῃ μελετῶν τὸν νόμον. Ezra remained at the library studying the law.
27.23 ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ τῶν σκηνῶν χαρὰ ἦν μεγάλη. At the feast of tabernacles there was great joy.
27.24 διέμενον οἱ φυγάδες ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν τῆς διασπορᾶς. The exiles were staying in the cities of the dispersion.
27.25 ἐγράφησαν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς. The names were written in the book of life.
27.26 κατέλυσαν ἐν τῷ πανδοχείῳ ὅλην τὴν νύκτα. They lodged at the inn the whole night.
27.27 ἐν τῷ τέλει τῆς ὁδοῦ εὗρον τὴν πόλιν. At the end of the journey they found the city.
27.28 ἔκρυψαν τὸν θησαυρὸν ἐν τῷ σπηλαίῳ τοῦ ὄρους. They hid the treasure in the cave of the mountain.
27.29 συνεβούλευσαν οἱ ἄρχοντες ἐν τῷ συνεδρίῳ ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν. The rulers deliberated at the council the whole day.
27.30 ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπέστρεψαν πάντες εἰς τὰς οἰκίας αὐτῶν. On the last day all returned to their houses.
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27.16 ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ ἔτει τοῦ Κύρου βασιλέως ἐξῆλθεν τὸ πρόσταγμα.
27.17 ἦσαν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἐν τῇ Βαβυλῶνι ἑβδομήκοντα ἔτη.
27.18 συνήγαγεν ὁ ἡγεμὼν τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους ἐν τῇ μεγάλῃ αὐλῇ.
27.19 ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἀνέβησαν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα τεσσαράκοντα χιλιάδες.
27.20 ᾠκοδόμησαν τὸν ναὸν ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τοῦ πρώτου ναοῦ.
27.21 ἐκήρυξεν ὁ προφήτης ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις τῆς πόλεως.
27.22 ἔμεινεν Ἔσδρας ἐν τῇ βιβλιοθήκῃ μελετῶν τὸν νόμον.
27.23 ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ τῶν σκηνῶν χαρὰ ἦν μεγάλη.
27.24 διέμενον οἱ φυγάδες ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν τῆς διασπορᾶς.
27.25 ἐγράφησαν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς.
27.26 κατέλυσαν ἐν τῷ πανδοχείῳ ὅλην τὴν νύκτα.
27.27 ἐν τῷ τέλει τῆς ὁδοῦ εὗρον τὴν πόλιν.
27.28 ἔκρυψαν τὸν θησαυρὸν ἐν τῷ σπηλαίῳ τοῦ ὄρους.
27.29 συνεβούλευσαν οἱ ἄρχοντες ἐν τῷ συνεδρίῳ ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν.
27.30 ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπέστρεψαν πάντες εἰς τὰς οἰκίας αὐτῶν.
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In historical narrative, the preposition ἐν serves several specialized functions that English speakers need to understand:
Temporal Framework in Historical Writing
Historical narratives frequently use ἐν with time expressions to establish chronological settings. Common patterns include: -
ἐν τῷ ἔτει (in the year) + genitive of ruler -
ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις (in the days) + genitive phrase -
ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ/ἡμέρᾳ (at the hour/on the day) + specific event
These temporal uses anchor events in specific historical moments, a crucial feature of ancient historiography.
Location Markers in Historical Accounts
Historical narratives use ἐν to specify where significant events occurred: -
Political locations: ἐν τῷ συνεδρίῳ (at the council) -
Religious sites: ἐν τῷ ναῷ (at the temple) -
Geographic regions: ἐν τῇ Βαβυλῶνι (in Babylon) -
Specific venues: ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ (at the courtyard)
Duration Expressions
Historical writers often use ἐν to indicate duration when combined with time words: -
ἐν with a time period can mean "within" or "during" -
Often appears with ὅλος (whole) to emphasize complete duration -
Example: ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν (the whole day)
Common Historical Narrative Formulas
Several fixed expressions with ἐν appear regularly in historical texts: -
ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις (in those days) - narrative transition -
ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ (on the last day) - climactic marker -
ἐν τῷ τέλει (at the end) - conclusion marker
Stylistic Considerations
Historical narratives often place ἐν phrases at the beginning of sentences for emphasis or to mark new narrative sections. This differs from everyday speech where such phrases might appear later in the sentence. The placement signals to readers that a new temporal or spatial setting is being established.
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