Welcome to Lesson 54 of the Latinum Institute’s Koine Greek course for English speakers. This lesson focuses on one of the most versatile words in Greek: καί (kai) in its adverbial function meaning “also,” “even,” or “likewise.” For more lessons and the complete course index, visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
Definition: While καί is most commonly known as the conjunction meaning “and,” it also functions as an adverb meaning “also,” “even,” “likewise,” or “too.” This additive or cumulative function appears approximately 600 times in the New Testament alone. When καί does not connect parallel items but rather emphasizes a following word, it carries this intensifying, additive sense.
FAQ Schema
Q: What does καί mean in Koine Greek when used as “also”?
A: καί (pronounced “kai”) functions as an adverb meaning “also,” “even,” “likewise,” or “too” when it emphasizes a single word or phrase rather than connecting parallel elements. This usage adds emphasis or indicates inclusion, as in Matthew 6:10: ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς (”as in heaven, also on earth”).
How καί will be used in this lesson: Throughout the examples in this lesson, you will see καί used in its adverbial function to mean “also,” “even,” or “likewise.” The placement of καί immediately before the word being emphasized is key to recognizing this usage. We will distinguish this from the simple conjunctive “and” by observing syntactic position and context.
Educational Schema
Course Name: Koine Greek Language Learning Course
Provider: Latinum Institute
Educational Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Learning Resource Type: Self-Study Language Lesson
Subject: Ancient Greek Language (Koine/Hellenistic Period)
Learning Objectives: Students will learn to recognize and use the adverb καί meaning “also” in various contexts, distinguishing it from the conjunction “and”
Key Takeaways -
καί functions both as a conjunction (”and”) and as an adverb (”also/even/likewise”) -
When καί emphasizes a single word rather than connecting parallel items, it means “also” -
The adverbial καί typically precedes the word it emphasizes -
This is the second most frequent word in the New Testament (9,153 occurrences) -
Recognizing adverbial καί dramatically improves translation accuracy
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54.1a καὶ also ἐγώ I πιστεύω believe εἰς in τὸν the θεόν God
54.1b kai (kai) also egō (e-GO) I pisteuō (pi-STEU-ō) believe eis (eis) in ton (ton) the theon (the-ON) God
54.2a σὺ you καὶ also ἔχεις have ζωὴν life αἰώνιον eternal
54.2b su (su) you kai (kai) also echeis (E-kheis) have zōēn (zō-AYN) life aiōnion (ai-Ō-ni-on) eternal
54.3a ὁ the κύριος Lord καὶ also ἠγάπησεν loved τοὺς the μαθητάς disciples
54.3b ho (ho) the kurios (KU-ri-os) Lord kai (kai) also ēgapēsen (ay-ga-PAY-sen) loved tous (tous) the mathētas (ma-thay-TAS) disciples
54.4a ἡμεῖς we καὶ also ἐσμὲν are τέκνα children θεοῦ of-God-GEN
54.4b hēmeis (hay-MEIS) we kai (kai) also esmen (es-MEN) are tekna (TEK-na) children theou (the-OU) of-God-GEN
54.5a ὁ the πατὴρ father καὶ also ἀγαπᾷ loves ὑμᾶς you-ACC
54.5b ho (ho) the patēr (pa-TAYR) father kai (kai) also agapa (a-ga-PA) loves humas (hu-MAS) you-ACC
54.6a ἐν in τῷ the οὐρανῷ heaven καὶ also ἐπὶ upon τῆς the γῆς earth-GEN
54.6b en (en) in tō (tō) the ouranō (ou-ra-NŌ) heaven kai (kai) also epi (e-PI) upon tēs (tays) the gēs (gays) earth-GEN
54.7a οὐ not μόνον only λέγει he-speaks ἀλλὰ but καὶ also ποιεῖ he-does
54.7b ou (ou) not monon (MO-non) only legei (LE-gei) he-speaks alla (al-LA) but kai (kai) also poiei (poi-EI) he-does
54.8a καὶ also οἱ the ἁμαρτωλοὶ sinners ἀγαπῶσιν love τοὺς the-ACC ἀγαπῶντας loving-ones-ACC αὐτούς them
54.8b kai (kai) also hoi (hoi) the hamartōloi (ha-mar-tō-LOI) sinners agapōsin (a-ga-PŌ-sin) love tous (tous) the-ACC agapōntas (a-ga-PŌN-tas) loving-ones-ACC autous (au-TOUS) them
54.9a ὁ the υἱὸς son καὶ also ἀκούει hears τοῦ the-GEN πατρός father-GEN
54.9b ho (ho) the huios (hui-OS) son kai (kai) also akouei (a-KOU-ei) hears tou (tou) the-GEN patros (pa-TROS) father-GEN
54.10a ἐν in τῷ the κόσμῳ world ἐστέ you-are καὶ also ἐγὼ I ἐν in τῷ the κόσμῳ world
54.10b en (en) in tō (tō) the kosmō (KOS-mō) world este (es-TE) you-are kai (kai) also egō (e-GŌ) I en (en) in tō (tō) the kosmō (KOS-mō) world
54.11a ὁ the Ἰησοῦς Jesus καὶ even αὐτὸς himself ἐβαπτίσθη was-baptized
54.11b ho (ho) the Iēsous (i-ay-SOUS) Jesus kai (kai) even autos (au-TOS) himself ebaptisthē (e-bap-TIS-thay) was-baptized
54.12a ὡς as ὁ the πατὴρ father καὶ also ὁ the υἱός son ποιεῖ does
54.12b hōs (hōs) as ho (ho) the patēr (pa-TAYR) father kai (kai) also ho (ho) the huios (hui-OS) son poiei (poi-EI) does
54.13a οὐ not μόνον only ὑμῖν to-you-DAT ἀλλὰ but καὶ also παντὶ to-all-DAT τῷ the κόσμῳ world-DAT
54.13b ou (ou) not monon (MO-non) only humin (hu-MIN) to-you-DAT alla (al-LA) but kai (kai) also panti (pan-TI) to-all-DAT tō (tō) the kosmō (KOS-mō) world-DAT
54.14a ἡ the γυνὴ woman καὶ also αὐτὴ herself ἐπίστευσεν believed εἰς in τὸν the κύριον Lord
54.14b hē (hay) the gunē (gu-NAY) woman kai (kai) also autē (au-TAY) herself episteusen (e-PIS-teu-sen) believed eis (eis) in ton (ton) the kurion (KU-ri-on) Lord
54.15a ἔρχεται comes ὥρα hour καὶ also νῦν now ἐστιν is
54.15b erchetai (ER-khe-tai) comes hōra (HŌ-ra) hour kai (kai) also nun (nun) now estin (es-TIN) is
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54.1 καὶ ἐγὼ πιστεύω εἰς τὸν θεόν. kai egō pisteuō eis ton theon. “I also believe in God.”
54.2 σὺ καὶ ἔχεις ζωὴν αἰώνιον. su kai echeis zōēn aiōnion. “You also have eternal life.”
54.3 ὁ κύριος καὶ ἠγάπησεν τοὺς μαθητάς. ho kurios kai ēgapēsen tous mathētas. “The Lord also loved the disciples.”
54.4 ἡμεῖς καὶ ἐσμὲν τέκνα θεοῦ. hēmeis kai esmen tekna theou. “We are also children of God.”
54.5 ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ἀγαπᾷ ὑμᾶς. ho patēr kai agapa humas. “The Father also loves you.”
54.6 ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. en tō ouranō kai epi tēs gēs. “In heaven, also upon the earth.”
54.7 οὐ μόνον λέγει ἀλλὰ καὶ ποιεῖ. ou monon legei alla kai poiei. “He not only speaks but also does.”
54.8 καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀγαπῶσιν τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτούς. kai hoi hamartōloi agapōsin tous agapōntas autous. “Even sinners love those who love them.”
54.9 ὁ υἱὸς καὶ ἀκούει τοῦ πατρός. ho huios kai akouei tou patros. “The son also hears the father.”
54.10 ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐστέ, καὶ ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ. en tō kosmō este, kai egō en tō kosmō. “You are in the world, and I am also in the world.”
54.11 ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐβαπτίσθη. ho Iēsous kai autos ebaptisthē. “Jesus himself was also baptized.”
54.12 ὡς ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ὁ υἱὸς ποιεῖ. hōs ho patēr kai ho huios poiei. “As the Father does, the Son also does.”
54.13 οὐ μόνον ὑμῖν ἀλλὰ καὶ παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ. ou monon humin alla kai panti tō kosmō. “Not only to you but also to the whole world.”
54.14 ἡ γυνὴ καὶ αὐτὴ ἐπίστευσεν εἰς τὸν κύριον. hē gunē kai autē episteusen eis ton kurion. “The woman herself also believed in the Lord.”
54.15 ἔρχεται ὥρα καὶ νῦν ἐστιν. erchetai hōra kai nun estin. “The hour is coming and is also now.”
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54.1 καὶ ἐγὼ πιστεύω εἰς τὸν θεόν. kai egō pisteuō eis ton theon.
54.2 σὺ καὶ ἔχεις ζωὴν αἰώνιον. su kai echeis zōēn aiōnion.
54.3 ὁ κύριος καὶ ἠγάπησεν τοὺς μαθητάς. ho kurios kai ēgapēsen tous mathētas.
54.4 ἡμεῖς καὶ ἐσμὲν τέκνα θεοῦ. hēmeis kai esmen tekna theou.
54.5 ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ἀγαπᾷ ὑμᾶς. ho patēr kai agapa humas.
54.6 ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. en tō ouranō kai epi tēs gēs.
54.7 οὐ μόνον λέγει ἀλλὰ καὶ ποιεῖ. ou monon legei alla kai poiei.
54.8 καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀγαπῶσιν τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτούς. kai hoi hamartōloi agapōsin tous agapōntas autous.
54.9 ὁ υἱὸς καὶ ἀκούει τοῦ πατρός. ho huios kai akouei tou patros.
54.10 ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐστέ, καὶ ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ. en tō kosmō este, kai egō en tō kosmō.
54.11 ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐβαπτίσθη. ho Iēsous kai autos ebaptisthē.
54.12 ὡς ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ὁ υἱὸς ποιεῖ. hōs ho patēr kai ho huios poiei.
54.13 οὐ μόνον ὑμῖν ἀλλὰ καὶ παντὶ τῷ κόσμῳ. ou monon humin alla kai panti tō kosmō.
54.14 ἡ γυνὴ καὶ αὐτὴ ἐπίστευσεν εἰς τὸν κύριον. hē gunē kai autē episteusen eis ton kurion.
54.15 ἔρχεται ὥρα καὶ νῦν ἐστιν. erchetai hōra kai nun estin.
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These are the grammar rules for καί (kai) when used as an adverb meaning “also,” “even,” or “likewise.”
The Dual Nature of καί
The word καί is the most versatile connector in Koine Greek. It functions in two primary ways:
As a conjunction (most common): καί connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank, meaning “and.” Example: ὁ πατὴρ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ (the father and the mother).
As an adverb (focus of this lesson): καί adds emphasis or indicates inclusion, meaning “also,” “even,” “likewise,” or “too.” Example: καὶ ἐγὼ πιστεύω (I also believe).
How to Recognize Adverbial καί
Position: Adverbial καί typically appears immediately before the word or phrase it emphasizes, rather than between two parallel elements.
Non-parallel items: When καί does not connect two grammatically equal items, it is functioning adverbially.
Semantic context: If “also” or “even” makes more sense than “and” in translation, καί is adverbial.
The construction οὐ μόνον... ἀλλὰ καί (not only... but also): This is a fixed expression where καί always means “also.”
καί with Intensive Pronouns
A distinctive construction involves καί with αὐτός/αὐτή/αὐτό (self):
καὶ αὐτός = “he himself also” / “he too”
καὶ αὐτή = “she herself also” / “she too”
καὶ αὐτό = “it itself also” / “it too”
This construction emphasizes that the same action applies to an additional subject.
Position Variations
At the beginning of a clause: καὶ ἐγώ... (I also...)
Before the verb: ὁ υἱὸς καὶ ἀκούει (the son also hears)
In correlative constructions: ὡς... καί... (as... also...)
The Construction ὡς... καί
The phrase ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς (as in heaven, also on earth) from the Lord’s Prayer demonstrates a classic use of adverbial καί, establishing a comparison where the second element is added to the first.
Common Mistakes
Translating every καί as “and”: Remember that context determines whether καί is conjunctive (”and”) or adverbial (”also”).
Missing the emphasis: Adverbial καί adds rhetorical force. Translating it merely as “and” loses this emphasis.
Ignoring word order: Unlike conjunctive καί which stands between items, adverbial καί precedes the emphasized element.
Overlooking the οὐ μόνον... ἀλλὰ καί construction: This fixed pattern always uses adverbial καί.
Frequency Note
καί appears 9,153 times in the New Testament, making it the second most common word. Approximately 600 of these occurrences are adverbial, translated as “also” or “even.” Recognizing this dual function is essential for accurate translation.
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The Additive Worldview
In ancient Greek thought, καί as “also” reflects a fundamental way of understanding reality through addition and inclusion rather than exclusion. When a speaker says καὶ ἐγώ (”I also”), they are inserting themselves into an existing category or action, affirming membership in a larger whole.
Rhetorical Force in Koine Greek
The adverbial καί carries significant rhetorical weight in Hellenistic discourse. It signals to the audience that something or someone is being added to a previous statement, creating emphasis and building argumentative force. In the New Testament, this construction often serves to include gentiles in promises originally made to Israel, or to extend divine actions from heaven to earth.
The οὐ μόνον... ἀλλὰ καί Construction
This “not only... but also” pattern was extremely popular in Greek rhetoric and permeates the New Testament. It creates a sense of expansion and surprise, indicating that something exceeds expectations. Paul uses this construction frequently to emphasize the superabundance of divine grace.
Semitic Influence
The frequency of καί in New Testament Greek reflects influence from Hebrew and Aramaic narrative styles. The Hebrew conjunction וְ (vav) functions similarly, appearing at the beginning of most narrative sentences. This gives New Testament Greek a distinctive rhythm that differs from classical Attic prose.
Formal versus Informal Usage
In both formal proclamations and everyday speech, adverbial καί served the same function. However, its frequency in formal texts (especially those influenced by Septuagint style) is notably higher than in contemporary secular Greek correspondence.
Regional Variations
While the basic meaning of adverbial καί remained consistent throughout the Greek-speaking world, its frequency of use varied. Jewish Greek texts show particularly heavy use of καί, reflecting Semitic syntactic patterns.
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The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10)
This foundational text demonstrates the adverbial use of καί in one of the most memorized passages in Greek literature.
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Πάτερ Father-VOC ἡμῶν our ὁ the-one ἐν in τοῖς the οὐρανοῖς heavens-DAT
Pater (pa-TAYR) Father-VOC hēmōn (hay-MŌN) our ho (ho) the-one en (en) in tois (tois) the ouranois (ou-ra-NOIS) heavens-DAT
ἁγιασθήτω let-be-hallowed τὸ the ὄνομά name σου your
hagiasthētō (ha-gi-as-THAY-tō) let-be-hallowed to (to) the onoma (O-no-ma) name sou (sou) your
ἐλθέτω let-come ἡ the βασιλεία kingdom σου your
elthetō (el-THE-tō) let-come hē (hay) the basileia (ba-si-LEI-a) kingdom sou (sou) your
γενηθήτω let-be-done τὸ the θέλημά will σου your
genēthētō (ge-nay-THAY-tō) let-be-done to (to) the thelēma (THE-lay-ma) will sou (sou) your
ὡς as ἐν in οὐρανῷ heaven καὶ also ἐπὶ upon γῆς earth-GEN
hōs (hōs) as en (en) in ouranō (ou-ra-NŌ) heaven kai (kai) also epi (e-PI) upon gēs (gays) earth-GEN
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου· ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου· γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς.
Pater hēmōn ho en tois ouranois; hagiasthētō to onoma sou; elthetō hē basileia sou; genēthētō to thelēma sou, hōs en ouranō kai epi gēs.
“Our Father who is in the heavens, let your name be hallowed; let your kingdom come; let your will be done, as in heaven, also upon earth.”
F-C: Original Greek with Romanization
Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· Pater hēmōn ho en tois ouranois;
ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου· hagiasthētō to onoma sou;
ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου· elthetō hē basileia sou;
γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, genēthētō to thelēma sou,
ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς. hōs en ouranō kai epi gēs.
F-D: Vocabulary and Grammar Notes
Πάτερ (Pater): Vocative singular of πατήρ (father), used in direct address
ἁγιασθήτω (hagiasthētō): Aorist passive imperative 3rd singular of ἁγιάζω (to make holy, hallow) - “let it be hallowed”
ἐλθέτω (elthetō): Aorist active imperative 3rd singular of ἔρχομαι (to come) - “let it come”
γενηθήτω (genēthētō): Aorist passive imperative 3rd singular of γίνομαι (to become, happen) - “let it be done/happen”
θέλημα (thelēma): Neuter noun meaning “will, desire, wish”
ὡς... καί: The construction “as... also” - the καί here is clearly adverbial, meaning “also” or “so too”
ἐπὶ γῆς: Upon earth - the preposition ἐπί with the genitive
F-E: Literary and Contextual Commentary
The phrase ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς represents one of the clearest examples of adverbial καί in the New Testament. The construction ὡς... καί creates a comparison: “as in heaven, so also on earth.” The καί does not merely connect “heaven” and “earth” as a conjunction would; rather, it extends the preceding action to an additional location.
This prayer echoes the Jewish Qaddish prayer, which contains similar calls for God’s kingdom. The third-person imperatives (ἁγιασθήτω, ἐλθέτω, γενηθήτω) are passive or middle voice commands directed to God, expressing wishes rather than direct orders.
Source: Gospel of Matthew 6:9-10, New Testament, 1st century CE
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The following examples demonstrate καί meaning “also” in the context of early Christian epistolary style, reflecting how the apostolic writers used this adverb to build arguments and include their audiences in shared truths.
Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
54.16a ἀδελφοί brothers μου my καὶ also ὑμεῖς you κληθέντες having-been-called ἐστε are
54.16b adelphoi (a-del-PHOI) brothers mou (mou) my kai (kai) also humeis (hu-MEIS) you klēthentes (klay-THEN-tes) having-been-called este (es-TE) are
54.17a οὐ not μόνον only ἡμεῖς we ἀλλὰ but καὶ also πᾶσα all ἡ the κτίσις creation στενάζει groans
54.17b ou (ou) not monon (MO-non) only hēmeis (hay-MEIS) we alla (al-LA) but kai (kai) also pasa (PA-sa) all hē (hay) the ktisis (KTI-sis) creation stenazei (ste-NA-zei) groans
54.18a ὁ the θεὸς God καὶ also ἐν in ὑμῖν you-DAT ἐνεργεῖ works
54.18b ho (ho) the theos (the-OS) God kai (kai) also en (en) in humin (hu-MIN) you-DAT energei (e-ner-GEI) works
54.19a γράφω I-write ὑμῖν to-you-DAT καὶ also τοῖς to-the ἁγίοις saints-DAT πᾶσιν all-DAT
54.19b graphō (GRA-phō) I-write humin (hu-MIN) to-you-DAT kai (kai) also tois (tois) to-the hagiois (ha-GI-ois) saints-DAT pasin (PA-sin) all-DAT
54.20a εἰ if ὁ the κύριος Lord ἔπαθεν suffered καὶ also ἡμεῖς we παθεῖν to-suffer ὀφείλομεν we-ought
54.20b ei (ei) if ho (ho) the kurios (KU-ri-os) Lord epathen (E-pa-then) suffered kai (kai) also hēmeis (hay-MEIS) we pathein (pa-THEIN) to-suffer opheilomen (o-PHEI-lo-men) we-ought
54.21a οὐχ not ὑμεῖς you μόνον only ἀλλὰ but καὶ also αἱ the ἐκκλησίαι churches πᾶσαι all χαίρουσιν rejoice
54.21b ouch (oukh) not humeis (hu-MEIS) you monon (MO-non) only alla (al-LA) but kai (kai) also hai (hai) the ekklēsiai (ek-klay-SI-ai) churches pasai (PA-sai) all chairousin (KHAI-rou-sin) rejoice
54.22a ἡ the χάρις grace τοῦ of-the κυρίου Lord-GEN καὶ also μεθ᾽ with ὑμῶν you-GEN ἔστω let-be
54.22b hē (hay) the charis (KHA-ris) grace tou (tou) of-the kuriou (ku-RI-ou) Lord-GEN kai (kai) also meth (meth) with humōn (hu-MŌN) you-GEN estō (ES-tō) let-be
54.23a ὡς as ἐκεῖνος that-one ἐστιν is καὶ also ἡμεῖς we ἐσμὲν are ἐν in τῷ the κόσμῳ world-DAT τούτῳ this-DAT
54.23b hōs (hōs) as ekeinos (e-KEI-nos) that-one estin (es-TIN) is kai (kai) also hēmeis (hay-MEIS) we esmen (es-MEN) are en (en) in tō (tō) the kosmō (KOS-mō) world-DAT toutō (TOU-tō) this-DAT
54.24a μὴ not μόνον only ἀκούετε hear-IMP ἀλλὰ but καὶ also ποιεῖτε do-IMP τὸν the λόγον word-ACC
54.24b mē (may) not monon (MO-non) only akouete (a-KOU-e-te) hear-IMP alla (al-LA) but kai (kai) also poieite (poi-EI-te) do-IMP ton (ton) the logon (LO-gon) word-ACC
54.25a ἐγὼ I Παῦλος Paul καὶ also Τιμόθεος Timothy ὁ the ἀδελφὸς brother γράφομεν we-write ὑμῖν to-you-DAT
54.25b egō (e-GŌ) I Paulos (PAU-los) Paul kai (kai) also Timotheos (ti-MO-the-os) Timothy ho (ho) the adelphos (a-del-PHOS) brother graphomen (GRA-pho-men) we-write humin (hu-MIN) to-you-DAT
54.26a ὡς as ἐδιδάχθητε you-were-taught καὶ also νῦν now περιπατεῖτε walk-IMP
54.26b hōs (hōs) as edidachthēte (e-di-DAKH-thay-te) you-were-taught kai (kai) also nun (nun) now peripateite (pe-ri-pa-TEI-te) walk-IMP
54.27a ὁ the θεὸς God τῆς of-the εἰρήνης peace-GEN καὶ also αὐτὸς himself ἁγιάσαι may-sanctify ὑμᾶς you-ACC
54.27b ho (ho) the theos (the-OS) God tēs (tays) of-the eirēnēs (ei-RAY-nays) peace-GEN kai (kai) also autos (au-TOS) himself hagiasai (ha-gi-A-sai) may-sanctify humas (hu-MAS) you-ACC
54.28a πιστὸς faithful ὁ the καλῶν calling-one ὑμᾶς you-ACC ὃς who καὶ also ποιήσει will-do
54.28b pistos (pis-TOS) faithful ho (ho) the kalōn (ka-LŌN) calling-one humas (hu-MAS) you-ACC hos (hos) who kai (kai) also poiēsei (poi-AY-sei) will-do
54.29a καθὼς just-as ἐπάθομεν we-suffered καὶ also ὑμεῖς you πάσχετε suffer
54.29b kathōs (ka-THŌS) just-as epathomen (e-PA-tho-men) we-suffered kai (kai) also humeis (hu-MEIS) you paschete (PAS-khe-te) suffer
54.30a ἵνα so-that καὶ also ὑμεῖς you ποιῆτε may-do καθὼς just-as ἐγὼ I ἐποίησα did ὑμῖν to-you-DAT
54.30b hina (HI-na) so-that kai (kai) also humeis (hu-MEIS) you poiēte (poi-AY-te) may-do kathōs (ka-THŌS) just-as egō (e-GŌ) I epoiēsa (e-POI-ay-sa) did humin (hu-MIN) to-you-DAT
Part B: Natural Sentences
54.16 ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ ὑμεῖς κληθέντες ἐστε. adelphoi mou, kai humeis klēthentes este. “My brothers, you also have been called.”
54.17 οὐ μόνον ἡμεῖς ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις στενάζει. ou monon hēmeis alla kai pasa hē ktisis stenazei. “Not only we but also all creation groans.”
54.18 ὁ θεὸς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἐνεργεῖ. ho theos kai en humin energei. “God also works in you.”
54.19 γράφω ὑμῖν καὶ τοῖς ἁγίοις πᾶσιν. graphō humin kai tois hagiois pasin. “I write to you and also to all the saints.”
54.20 εἰ ὁ κύριος ἔπαθεν, καὶ ἡμεῖς παθεῖν ὀφείλομεν. ei ho kurios epathen, kai hēmeis pathein opheilomen. “If the Lord suffered, we also ought to suffer.”
54.21 οὐχ ὑμεῖς μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι χαίρουσιν. ouch humeis monon alla kai hai ekklēsiai pasai chairousin. “Not you only but also all the churches rejoice.”
54.22 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου καὶ μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν ἔστω. hē charis tou kuriou kai meth humōn estō. “May the grace of the Lord also be with you.”
54.23 ὡς ἐκεῖνος ἐστιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ. hōs ekeinos estin, kai hēmeis esmen en tō kosmō toutō. “As he is, so also are we in this world.”
54.24 μὴ μόνον ἀκούετε ἀλλὰ καὶ ποιεῖτε τὸν λόγον. mē monon akouete alla kai poieite ton logon. “Do not only hear but also do the word.”
54.25 ἐγὼ Παῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς γράφομεν ὑμῖν. egō Paulos kai Timotheos ho adelphos graphomen humin. “I, Paul, and also Timothy the brother, write to you.”
54.26 ὡς ἐδιδάχθητε, καὶ νῦν περιπατεῖτε. hōs edidachthēte, kai nun peripateite. “As you were taught, so also now walk.”
54.27 ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ αὐτὸς ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς. ho theos tēs eirēnēs kai autos hagiasai humas. “May the God of peace himself also sanctify you.”
54.28 πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει. pistos ho kalōn humas, hos kai poiēsei. “Faithful is he who calls you, who will also do it.”
54.29 καθὼς ἐπάθομεν, καὶ ὑμεῖς πάσχετε. kathōs epathomen, kai humeis paschete. “Just as we suffered, you also suffer.”
54.30 ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιῆτε καθὼς ἐγὼ ἐποίησα ὑμῖν. hina kai humeis poiēte kathōs egō epoiēsa humin. “So that you also may do as I did for you.”
Part C: Koine Greek Text Only
54.16 ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ ὑμεῖς κληθέντες ἐστε. adelphoi mou, kai humeis klēthentes este.
54.17 οὐ μόνον ἡμεῖς ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις στενάζει. ou monon hēmeis alla kai pasa hē ktisis stenazei.
54.18 ὁ θεὸς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἐνεργεῖ. ho theos kai en humin energei.
54.19 γράφω ὑμῖν καὶ τοῖς ἁγίοις πᾶσιν. graphō humin kai tois hagiois pasin.
54.20 εἰ ὁ κύριος ἔπαθεν, καὶ ἡμεῖς παθεῖν ὀφείλομεν. ei ho kurios epathen, kai hēmeis pathein opheilomen.
54.21 οὐχ ὑμεῖς μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι χαίρουσιν. ouch humeis monon alla kai hai ekklēsiai pasai chairousin.
54.22 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου καὶ μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν ἔστω. hē charis tou kuriou kai meth humōn estō.
54.23 ὡς ἐκεῖνος ἐστιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ. hōs ekeinos estin, kai hēmeis esmen en tō kosmō toutō.
54.24 μὴ μόνον ἀκούετε ἀλλὰ καὶ ποιεῖτε τὸν λόγον. mē monon akouete alla kai poieite ton logon.
54.25 ἐγὼ Παῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς γράφομεν ὑμῖν. egō Paulos kai Timotheos ho adelphos graphomen humin.
54.26 ὡς ἐδιδάχθητε, καὶ νῦν περιπατεῖτε. hōs edidachthēte, kai nun peripateite.
54.27 ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ αὐτὸς ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς. ho theos tēs eirēnēs kai autos hagiasai humas.
54.28 πιστὸς ὁ καλῶν ὑμᾶς, ὃς καὶ ποιήσει. pistos ho kalōn humas, hos kai poiēsei.
54.29 καθὼς ἐπάθομεν, καὶ ὑμεῖς πάσχετε. kathōs epathomen, kai humeis paschete.
54.30 ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιῆτε καθὼς ἐγὼ ἐποίησα ὑμῖν. hina kai humeis poiēte kathōs egō epoiēsa humin.
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
Epistolary Conventions
The apostolic letter style frequently employs adverbial καί to include the audience in the experiences and blessings of the writers. This creates solidarity between author and recipients.
The καθώς... καί Construction
The correlative pattern καθὼς... καί (”just as... also”) appears multiple times (54.23, 54.26, 54.29, 54.30). This establishes a model-imitation relationship: as Christ acted, so also must believers act.
Optative Mood with καί
In 54.27, the aorist optative ἁγιάσαι expresses a wish or prayer. The καί αὐτός (”he himself also”) adds emphasis to the divine agent.
ἵνα with Subjunctive
Example 54.30 shows the purpose clause construction ἵνα + subjunctive (ποιῆτε), with καί emphasizing that the disciples are included in the command.
Compound Subjects
Example 54.25 demonstrates καί joining Paul and Timothy as co-authors, though here καί functions both conjunctively and with some additive force.
The Pattern ὃς καί
The relative pronoun followed by καί (ὃς καί, “who also”) in 54.28 emphasizes that the same person who calls will also complete the work.
Hortatory Subjunctive Context
Several examples reflect paraenetic (ethical exhortation) style, where καί extends commands from the apostle’s practice to the community’s expected behavior.
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The Word καί
IPA: /kai/
The diphthong αι is pronounced like the English word “eye” or the vowel sound in “buy.”
Common Pronunciation Errors for English Speakers
Do not pronounce καί as “kay-ee” (two syllables). It is a single syllable: /kai/.
Do not confuse with καί when written καὶ (with grave accent before another word). The pronunciation remains /kai/.
Stress Patterns
In connected speech, adverbial καί often receives slight emphasis since it carries semantic weight. However, when used as a conjunction, it may be relatively unstressed.
Audio Reference Suggestions
For authentic pronunciation, consult recordings of modern Greek liturgical readings, which preserve many Koine features. The Society of Biblical Literature provides pronunciation guides for academic Greek.
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This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute’s Koine Greek course, designed for autodidact learners. The course follows a frequency-based vocabulary approach, teaching the most common words in Greek texts systematically.
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The Construed Text Method
The interlinear format used in these lessons allows beginners to read authentic Greek texts by providing word-by-word glossing. This method, developed from classical philological traditions, accelerates comprehension by making the relationship between Greek words and their English meanings immediately visible.
Why Learn Koine Greek?
Koine Greek was the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean from the conquests of Alexander the Great (4th century BCE) through the Byzantine period. It is the language of the New Testament, the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), the writings of the Church Fathers, and much Hellenistic philosophy and history. Understanding Koine Greek opens access to foundational texts of Western civilization.
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✓ Lesson 54 Koine Greek complete
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