"a particle that adds an intensity of expression to a term or clause. Its simplest and most ordinary uses are when it gives impressiveness to an affirmation, indeed, really, doubtless, Mt. 13:23; or earnestness to a call, injunction, or entreaty, Lk. 2:15; Acts 13:2; 15:36; 1 Cor...."
Definition and meaning
a particle that adds an intensity of expression to a term or clause. Its simplest and most ordinary uses are when it gives impressiveness to an affirmation, indeed, really, doubtless, Mt. 13:23; or earnestness to a call, injunction, or entreaty, Lk. 2:15; Acts 13:2; 15:36; 1 Cor. 16:20*
In the original Greek the word is written: δή
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of de (G1211) across the King James Bible.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
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Common questions
Strong's G1211 (de) is a Greek word that means: a particle that adds an intensity of expression to a term or clause. Its simplest and most ordinary uses are when it gives impressiveness to an affirmation, indeed, really, doubtless, Mt. 13:23; or ea... It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word de (G1211) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1211 is de, a Greek word defined as: a particle that adds an intensity of expression to a term or clause. Its simplest and most ordinary uses are when it gives impressiveness to an affirm. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
de is a Greek word found in the New Testament.