ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA GRIEGA
Hóti — Meaning and Usage in the Bible
ὅτι (hóti) primarily means “that” when introducing what is known, said, or thought, and “because” when giving a reason.
Significado de la palabra
ὅτι is a conjunction that introduces an objective clause: it marks the content of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, or feeling. Thus it often corresponds to English “that,” as in thinking or saying that God can raise up children (Matthew 3:9).
It can also identify or explain what is the case, especially after “to be” or “to become.” In some contexts it is omitted in English, especially before direct speech, but its presence indicates that the following words report the speaker’s words or thought.
As a causal particle, ὅτι means “because” or “for.” Matthew 5:3–8 repeatedly explains why the people described are blessed: the kingdom is theirs, they will be comforted, inherit the earth, be filled, receive mercy, and see God.
Uso en las Escrituras
In Matthew 2:16, 2:22, and 4:12, ὅτι introduces the information that explains Herod’s anger, Joseph’s fear, and Jesus’ withdrawal. In Matthew 2:17, it introduces the content of the prophetic saying, showing its use in reporting what was spoken.
The beatitudes show the causal use clearly: ὅτι explains the basis of each blessing (Matthew 5:3–8). Readers should therefore consider whether the clause supplies reported content, identifies what is true, or gives the reason for the preceding statement.
La palabra en detalle
- G3754 ὅτι (hóti) is primarily a demonstrative conjunction meaning “that,” introducing the content of knowledge, speech, thought, or perception. It is also a causal particle meaning “because” or “for.”
Versículos de ejemplo
- Matthew 2:16 ὅτι introduces what Herod perceived: the wise men had mocked him. This illustrates its use after seeing or perceiving.
- Matthew 2:22 ὅτι introduces the report that Archelaus was reigning, explaining why Joseph was afraid to go there.
- Matthew 3:9 ὅτι introduces the content of what the speaker says: God is able to raise up children for Abraham from stones.
- Matthew 5:4 ὅτι gives the reason for the blessing: those who mourn will be comforted.
Preguntas frecuentes
What does ὅτι mean in Greek?
It generally means “that” when introducing a statement or reported content, and “because” when explaining a reason.
Is ὅτι always translated as “because”?
No. Its meaning depends on context: it may introduce what someone knows, says, thinks, sees, or gives the reason for a statement.
Where does ὅτι appear in the examples?
It introduces information in Matthew 2:16, 2:17, 2:22, 3:9, and 4:12, and gives reasons for the blessings in Matthew 5:3–8.