Primarily a conjunction introducing purpose ('in order that'), result ('so that'), or content clauses ('that'). Originally a local adverb meaning 'where' or 'in which place' in Homer, by classical Attic it grammaticalized into the dominant purpose marker. The New Testament overwhelmingly uses ἵνα for purpose and result: 'God sent his Son that the world might be saved,' 'I write these things that you may know.' Some modern scholars detect Semitic influence in certain ἵνα constructions. The word pairs with the subjunctive mood to express intention, divine plan, and desired outcomes—making it theologically loaded in texts describing God's redemptive purposes.