Weeks 17–18: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Introduction

Greek authors often link ideas together in sentences that flow from one thought to the next. To do this, they use conjunctions—small words that connect clauses. Learning these words is vital because they reveal how one idea relates to another: addition, contrast, cause, purpose, or result.

Conjunctions are like the “glue” of the New Testament. By paying attention to them, you’ll be able to follow arguments, explanations, and transitions much more clearly.

Step 1: Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal weight.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions

Examples in Context

1. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ → “and he says to him” (John 1:43).

2. ὁ λόγος δέ ἐστιν ἀληθής → “but the word is true.”

3. οὖν ἔλεγεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς → “therefore Jesus was saying” (John 8:31).

👉 Coordinating conjunctions keep ideas on the same level—like links in a chain.

Step 2: Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to a main clause, showing cause, purpose, condition, or result.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Examples in Context

1. ἵνα πιστεύσητε → “so that you may believe” (John 20:31).

2. ὅτι οὕτως ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον → “because God so loved the world” (John 3:16).

3. ἐὰν πιστεύῃς → “if you believe.”

👉 Subordinating conjunctions show relationships: cause, effect, condition, or purpose.

Step 3: How to Read Conjunctions

When you see a conjunction, pause and ask:

• Is it linking equal ideas (coordinating)?

• Or is it showing dependence (subordinating)?

• What relationship is being emphasized (contrast, cause, purpose, condition)?

This will help you follow the logic of the text, not just translate words.

Step 4: Biblical Examples

1. John 1:17

• ὁ νόμος διὰ Μωϋσέως ἐδόθη, ἡ χάρις καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐγένετο.

• “…for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

• Coordinating καί joins “grace” and “truth.”

2. Romans 8:1

• οὐδὲν ἄρα νῦν κατάκριμα τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ → “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”

• Coordinating particle ἄρα (therefore) marks conclusion.

3. John 20:31

• ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε → “But these are written so that you may believe.”

• Subordinating ἵνα introduces purpose.

Practice Assignments

1. Identification
Identify whether each conjunction is coordinating or subordinating:

1. καί

2. ὅτι

3. δέ

4. ἵνα

2. Translation Drill
Translate these sentences into English:

1. πιστεύετε γάρ, καὶ σωθήσεσθε.

2. ἔρχεται ὁ κύριος, ὅταν βοήσωμεν.

3. ἀλλ’ ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδός.

3. Clause Practice
Write one Greek sentence using each conjunction:

• καί

• ἀλλά

• ἵνα

• ἐάν

Provide your English translation.

4. NT Spotting
Read John 3. Write down all the conjunctions you find and explain their function (coordinating or subordinating).

Encouragement

Learning conjunctions may feel like learning “tiny words,” but they are the hinges of meaning in the New Testament. By recognizing them, you move from translating isolated words to following the argument and flow of thought.

With practice, you’ll begin to notice how the inspired authors carefully built sentences: linking ideas, showing contrast, giving reasons, and pointing to purposes. These connectors will guide you into deeper exegesis and sharper understanding.

Keep at it—you are learning to read not just words, but reasoning itself in the language of the New Testament.