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2952. οὐκοῦν inferential: then, well then, therefore, accordingly (ergo, igitur). Inferential οὐκοῦν was developed, probably in colloquial speech, from the interrogative use, the speaker anticipating the affirmative answer to his question and emphasizing only the inference. From the negative question all that was left was an expression of his own opinion on the part of the speaker. οὐκοῦν has become so completely equivalent to οὖν that a negative has to be added if one is required.

οὐκοῦν, ὅταν δὴ μὴ σθένω, πεπαύσομαι well then, when my strength fails, I shall cease S. Ant. 91, ““ἢ . . . τοὺς ἀμύ_νεσθαι κελεύοντας πόλεμον ποιεῖν φήσομεν; οὐκοῦν ὑπόλοιπον δουλεύειν” or shall we say that those who bid us defend ourselves make war? Then it is left for us to be slaves” D. 8.59. οὐκοῦν is used even with imperatives; as ““οὐκοῦν . . . ἱκανῶς ἐχέτω” accordingly let it suffice” P. Phae. 274b.

a. Editors often differ whether, in certain cases, οὐκοῦν is interrogative or inferential.

American Book Company, 1920.

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