Greek · Strong's G3752
ὅταν
hótan (HO-tan)
conjunction
Hótan is a Greek conjunction primarily meaning "whenever" or "when," indicating a temporal relationship with an element of contingency or indefiniteness.
Hótan is a compound conjunction formed from hóte ("when") and án (a particle of indefiniteness). This combination conveys the sense of "whenever" or "when" with an implication of condition or an unspecified time. It often introduces a subordinate clause that describes a future event or a general truth, suggesting that the action of the main clause will occur at whatever time the condition of the subordinate clause is met, or when a particular event takes place.
In the New Testament, hótan is frequently used in eschatological contexts, discussing events related to the end times or the coming of Christ. It highlights that certain events will unfold at specific, though often undisclosed, points in God's sovereign plan. For instance, it is used to speak of the coming of the Son of Man in glory, or the fulfillment of prophetic events. It emphasizes the certainty of these future occurrences while sometimes leaving the exact timing open.
Beyond eschatological discussions, hótan also appears in more general contexts, signifying "on occasions when" or "every time that." It can introduce a hypothetical situation or a recurring event. Its function is to set a temporal boundary or condition for the action described in the main clause, making the timing of that action dependent on the fulfillment of the hótan clause.
Common English renderings
- when
- whenever
- as long as
- till
Key verses
"But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:"
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"but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away."
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"Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do."
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"For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
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"(for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves;"
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"Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh;"
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Related words