Refiner Word Study gar (G1063)
G1063  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
γάρ
gar
993 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"for; it is, however, frequently used with an ellipsis of the clause to which it has reference, and its force must then be variously expressed: Mt. 15:27; 27:23, et al.; it is also sometimes epexegetic, or introductory of an intimated detail of circumstances, now, then, Mt. 1:18"

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Definition and meaning

What does gar mean in Greek?

993
Occurrences in Scripture
G1063
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

for; it is, however, frequently used with an ellipsis of the clause to which it has reference, and its force must then be variously expressed: Mt. 15:27; 27:23, et al.; it is also sometimes epexegetic, or introductory of an intimated detail of circumstances, now, then, Mt. 1:18

In the original Greek the word is written: γάρ

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

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

Top 10 Bible verses with gar

These are the most notable occurrences of gar (G1063) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 2:5

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Matthew 2:20

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 3:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about gar

What does gar mean in Greek?

Strong's G1063 (gar) is a Greek word that means: for; it is, however, frequently used with an ellipsis of the clause to which it has reference, and its force must then be variously expressed: Mt. 15:27; 27:23, et al.; it is also sometimes epexegetic... It appears 993 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does gar appear in the Bible?

The word gar (G1063) appears 993 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G1063?

Strong's G1063 is gar, a Greek word defined as: for; it is, however, frequently used with an ellipsis of the clause to which it has reference, and its force must then be variously expressed: Mt. 15:. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is gar in the Old Testament or New Testament?

gar is a Greek word found in the New Testament.