Lexical Summary
plén: Nevertheless, but, except, however
Original Word: πλήν
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: plén
Pronunciation: playn
Phonetic Spelling: (plane)
KJV: but (rather), except, nevertheless, notwithstanding, save, than
NASB: nevertheless, however, yet, except, besides, only, than
Word Origin: [from G4119 (πλείων - More)]
1. moreover (besides), i.e. albeit, save that, rather, yet
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
nevertheless, however, notwithstanding, save, than.
From pleion; moreover (besides), i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet -- but (rather), except, nevertheless, notwithstanding, save, than.
see GREEK pleion
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originadverb from the cptv. form of
polusDefinitionyet, except
NASB Translationbesides (1), except (2), however (3), nevertheless (8), only (1), than (1), yet (3).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4133: πλήνπλήν, adverb (from
πλέον 'more' (
Curtius, § 375; Lob. Path. Element. 1:143; 2:93 (cf.
Lightfoot on
Philippians 3:16)); hence, properly,
beyond, besides, further); it stands:
1. adverbially, at the beginning of a sentence, serving either to restrict, or to unfold and expand what has preceded: moreover, besides, so that, according to the requirements of the context, it may also be rendered but, nevertheless; (howbeit; cf. Buttmann, § 146, 2): Matthew 11:22, 24; Matthew 18:7; Matthew 26:39, 64; Luke 6:24, 35; Luke 10:11, 14, 20; Luke 11:41; Luke 12:31; Luke 13:33; Luke 17:1 L Tr text WH;
2. as a preposition, with the genitive (first so by Homer, Odyssey 8, 207; (cf. Winers Grammar, § 54, 6)), besides, except, but: Mark 12:32; John 8:10; Acts 8:1; Acts 15:28; Acts 27:22. Cf. Klotz ad Devar. II. 2, p. 724f.
Topical Lexicon
Overview of Usage The term translated “however,” “nevertheless,” “yet,” or “except” occurs thirty-two times in the Greek New Testament, serving as a hinge that both concedes a point and redirects attention to a greater reality. Whether spoken by the Lord Jesus, narrated by Luke, or penned by Paul and John, the word consistently preserves the tension between human circumstance and divine purpose, anchoring the reader in God’s final word on every matter.
In Jesus’ Teaching and Prayer
1. Contrast after Warning: Matthew 11:22, 24; Luke 6:24; 10:11, 14. After announcing judgment, Jesus adds a sober “nevertheless” that underlines certainty while stressing personal responsibility.
2. Discipleship Priorities: Luke 10:20; 12:31. Earthly success is conceded, yet eternal joy and the kingdom remain paramount.
3. Submission in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42. “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” The particle draws the line between legitimate human desire and unwavering obedience, modeling surrender for every believer.
4. Messianic Affirmation under Oath: Matthew 26:64. When Jesus says, “But I say to all of you,” the word shifts the scene from a human tribunal to eschatological certainty.
Luke’s Narrative Bridge
Luke employs the term to move his twin volumes forward.
• Unavoidable Offenses, Yet Woe (Luke 17:1).
• Kingdom Must Advance, Yet Jerusalem Awaits (Luke 13:33).
• Betrayer Is Present, Yet Sovereign Plan Stands (Luke 22:21-22).
• Call to Compassion amid Calamity (Luke 23:28).
In Acts it marks decisive turns: persecution scatters the church “except the apostles” (Acts 8:1); prophetic warnings come, “yet” Paul is bound for Jerusalem (Acts 20:23); a foundering ship will sink, “yet” every life is spared (Acts 27:22).
Pauline Nuance of Mutuality and Mission
Paul often places profound theological balance after the particle.
• Gender Interdependence: “In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman” (1 Corinthians 11:11).
• Marital Duty and Respect: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).
• Gospel Motives: “What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way… Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).
• Progress in Sanctification: “Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:16).
• Partnership in Suffering: “Yet it was kind of you to share in my troubles” (Philippians 4:14).
Eschatological Exhortation
Revelation 2:25 weds present faithfulness to future hope: “Nevertheless, hold fast to what you have until I come.” The church at Thyatira is urged to cling to truth in an age of moral compromise, anticipating the return of Christ.
Theological Significance
1. Sovereignty and Responsibility: The particle safeguards both. Divine decrees stand (“the Son of Man goes as it has been determined”) while human accountability remains (“yet woe to that man,” Luke 22:22).
2. Hope beyond Circumstance: Whether persecution (Acts 8:1), impending martyrdom (Philippians 1:18), or prophetic judgment (Matthew 11:22), the “nevertheless” redirects sight to God’s purposes.
3. Christ-Centered Ethics: In marriage, ministry, and communal life, it prevents extremes—honoring order without neglecting grace, affirming liberty without forfeiting love.
Ministry Application
• Preaching: Use the “nevertheless” moments of Scripture to reveal the gospel pivot—sin conceded, grace proclaimed.
• Counseling: Model Gethsemane prayer, helping believers voice honest desire yet submit to the Father’s will.
• Leadership: Balance correction with encouragement, mirroring Paul’s pattern of candid appraisal followed by hopeful “yet.”
Historical Reflections
Early Christian writers noted the term’s role in harmonizing seemingly opposite truths. Athanasius cited Luke 22:42 to defend both Christ’s true humanity and His perfect divine obedience. Reformers highlighted “nevertheless” passages to affirm justification by faith while urging holy living.
Devotional Summary
Every occurrence of Strong’s 4133 whispers the same assurance: circumstances speak, conscience objects, opponents attack—nevertheless, God’s word stands, Christ’s will prevails, and the Spirit empowers His people to press on until “nevertheless, I come” becomes glorious sight.
Forms and Transliterations
πλην πλήν πλὴν plen plēn plḕn
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