What Does The Word “If” Mean In The Bible?

In the Bible, the word “if” is often used to express conditions or possibilities. If you’re looking for a quick answer – the meaning of “if” in Scripture is typically to present a hypothetical scenario or to show that one thing is contingent on something else.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the varied meanings and usages of the word “if” throughout the Bible. We’ll provide context for different passages that use if/then statements, analyze conditional sentences that hinge on the word “if”, and clarify what biblical authors were implying when they chose to use “if” rather than more absolute wording.

“If” as a Conditional

Expressing Possibilities or What-Ifs

The word “if” is commonly used in the Bible to express possibilities or hypothetical situations. It presents an condition that is uncertain or not yet fulfilled, and outlines the consequences that would follow if that condition comes to pass.

For example, Jesus told his disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). This usage of “if” presents the possibility of the world hating Jesus’ followers, and asserts that if that happens, it should not surprise them because Jesus himself was hated first.

The prophet Jeremiah also used “if” in this manner when he proclaimed, “If you return, O Israel, declares the Lord, to me you should return” (Jeremiah 4:1). The fulfillment of Israel’s return to God was still uncertain, but God through Jeremiah outlined the hopeful outcome that would come about if they repented.

Setting Up Cause and Effect

In addition to possibility, “if” is also used to establish logical connections of cause and effect. There are many examples of this in Proverbs, such as “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).

The meaning is that if you are weak in adversity, it proves or causes your strength to be small. The “if” statement sets up the cause, while the main clause outlines the resulting effect.

We also see this in warnings and threats of punishment. For instance, when warning against idolatry, Moses said “If you act corruptly…you shall surely perish” (Deuteronomy 4:25-26). The cause is Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, while the effect is their certain destruction.

Jeremiah later echoed this by prophesying that if Judah continued to worship false gods, then God would uproot them from the Promised Land.

In these examples, “if” functions to lay out the grounds or conditions that would logically result in the effects that follow. It establishes the relationship between actions and their consequences, whether positive or negative.

Establishing Agreements or Covenants

A third usage of “if” in the Bible is seen in agreements, covenants, or exchanges. For example, when making his covenant with Abraham, God said “If you will be blameless, I will establish my covenant between me and you” (Genesis 17:1-2). God’s part was contingent on Abraham walking righteously.

Similarly, God confirmed to Solomon that “If you walk before me…then I will establish the throne of your kingdom” (1 Kings 2:4). Many other covenants and agreements also follow this pattern of outlining required actions and the subsequent fulfillment.

We also see “if” used this way between people. When pleading for his life, the servant of Saul told David, “If the Lord has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed” (1 Samuel 26:19).

This set up an exchange where either God or men would receive consequences based on who had incited David against him.

In such examples, “if” functions to lay out bilateral commitments and appropriate reciprocation. It helps construct mutual exchanges and highlight actions that should prompt equivalent rewards or punishments.

“If” Contrasted With “When”

The words “if” and “when” may seem similar at first glance, but there are some key differences in how they are used in the Bible that are important to understand.

“If” generally implies uncertainty or conditionality. When “if” is used, it presents a hypothetical situation that may or may not come to pass. For example, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says to Solomon, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Here, God is presenting a conditional situation – he will respond in a certain way if his people meet the stated conditions.

“When” generally implies certainty or inevitability. It presents something that is expected to definitely happen, just a matter of time. For example, in John 14:3, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Here, Jesus says when he returns, believers will be united with him.

Some key differences between “if” and “when”:

• “If” presents a conditional, theoretical, or uncertain situation.
• “When” implies a definite, inevitable future event.
• “If” introduces a hypothetical that may or may not occur.
• “When” introduces an expected outcome.

There are certainly cases where “if” and “when” can be used interchangeably without changing the essential meaning. But in many cases, the distinction is important – “if” implies uncertainty, while “when” implies certainty.

As we study Scripture, it’s important to pay close attention to context and word choice to properly understand the intent.

Some examples that illustrate the contrast:

As we can see, “if” generally implies conditionality while “when” implies certainty. This is an important distinction that can profoundly impact how we read and apply Scripture. Careful attention to these small but significant words is crucial for correctly handling God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Implications of “If” Versus “Will”

The words “if” and “will” have very different implications when used in the Bible. “If” introduces a conditional statement, while “will” refers to something that is certain or destined to happen.

The Uncertainty of “If”

“If” statements imply that a particular outcome is not guaranteed. For example, in Exodus 19:5, God tells the Israelites, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

Here God makes it clear that the Israelites’ status as His treasured people depends on their obedience – if they disobey, they lose that special relationship.

Another example is 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God tells Solomon, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The promise of healing and forgiveness only applies if God’s people meet the stated conditions.

So “if” statements, while offering tremendous blessings, do not guarantee those outcomes will happen. The “if” makes it conditional.

The Certainty of “Will”

In contrast to “if,” the word “will” connotes certainty and destiny. For example, Isaiah 53:5 says of the coming Messiah, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

The verse states the future outcomes as fixed and incontrovertible – because of His sacrifice, we will be healed.

Similarly, Jesus says in John 6:37, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” Here Jesus asserts the inevitability that all whom God has chosen will come to salvation in Christ.

There is no “if” about it, but rather absolute confidence that God’s will shall be accomplished.

So while “if” allows for various outcomes depending on human choice, “will” expresses the outworking of God’s sovereign and undefeatable purpose. And this purpose, secured by Christ, ensures believers will receive the full inheritance of salvation.

“If” in the Context of Free Will and Choice

The word “if” in the Bible often implies an element of free will and choice. Here are some key points about how “if” relates to free will in Scripture:

Conditional Statements

Many verses use “if” to set up a conditional statement – if one thing happens, then something else will follow. For example:

• “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This demonstrates that the people have a choice to humble themselves and pray, and if they make that choice, then God promises to respond accordingly.

Challenges to Choose

“If” is sometimes used as a challenge to choose the right path. Jesus told his followers:

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

He challenges his followers to make the choice to deny themselves and choose to follow him each day. The “if” implies that they have a choice in the matter.

Contingencies and Predictions

Some verses use “if” when describing future contingencies or making predictions. For example:

• “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24)

Here the “if” statement predicts what will happen in a certain scenario, not necessarily saying that the scenario will come to pass. So it demonstrates free will in hypothesizing about different choices and outcomes.

Demonstrating Importance of Choice

Conclusion

In closing, the word “if” in Scripture serves an important function. It allows biblical authors to explore hypotheticals, set up conditional relationships between ideas or actions, present alternatives based on decisions, and contrast absolute events with possibilities or uncertainties.

By analyzing the context around Bible verses using “if”, we gain insight into the rich meanings and messages conveyed in God’s Word.