"Even" as he spoke, many believed in him.

[sitifan]

Even as he spoke, many believed in him. (My bold.)
https://biblehub.com/parallel/john/8-30.htm

What does the word "even" mean in the above quotation?

 

[SoothingDave]

It means the believing happened while He was speaking. Not after or before.

 

[Tarheel]

"Even as he spoke" is the relevant phrase. In my humble opinion the word "Even" doesn't mean anything all by itself.

 

[sitifan]

"Even as he spoke" is the relevant phrase. In my humble opinion the word "Even" doesn't mean anything all by itself.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/even
2b: at the very time
raining even as the sun came out
c: EXACTLY, PRECISELY

 

[Tarheel]

No word means anything all by itself.
I just happen to agree with myself.

No word means anything all by itself. It's only within its context (a sentence) that a word has meaning.

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.