"can function as an improper prep., besides, except, Mk. 12:32; Acts 8:1; 20:23; as a conj. but, however, nevertheless, Mt. 18:7; Lk. 19:27; Eph. 5:33; equivalent to ἀλλά, Lk. 6:35; 12:31; Acts 27:22"
Definition and meaning
can function as an improper prep., besides, except, Mk. 12:32; Acts 8:1; 20:23; as a conj. but, however, nevertheless, Mt. 18:7; Lk. 19:27; Eph. 5:33; equivalent to ἀλλά, Lk. 6:35; 12:31; Acts 27:22
In the original Greek the word is written: πλήν
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 plen (G4133) across the King James Bible.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
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Common questions
Strong's G4133 (plen) is a Greek word that means: can function as an improper prep., besides, except, Mk. 12:32; Acts 8:1; 20:23; as a conj. but, however, nevertheless, Mt. 18:7; Lk. 19:27; Eph. 5:33; equivalent to ἀλλά, Lk. 6:35; 12:31; Acts 27:22 It appears 31 times in the King James Bible.
The word plen (G4133) appears 31 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4133 is plen, a Greek word defined as: can function as an improper prep., besides, except, Mk. 12:32; Acts 8:1; 20:23; as a conj. but, however, nevertheless, Mt. 18:7; Lk. 19:27; Eph. 5:33;. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
plen is a Greek word found in the New Testament.