Lexical Summary isós: Equal, same, equivalent Original Word: ἴσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance it may be, perhapsAdverb from isos; likely, i.e. Perhaps -- it may be. see GREEK isos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2481 ísōs (from 2470 /ísos, "equal") – properly, equally; acting fair, in a way that is fit (apt), i.e. proportional to actual reality (worth). See 2470 (isos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from isos Definition perhaps NASB Translation perhaps (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2481: ἴσωςἴσως (ἴσος, which see), adverb (from Sophocles down); 1. equally, in like manner. 2. agreeably to expectation, i. e. it may be, probably; frequently an urbane expression of one's reasonable hope (German wohl,hoffentlich): Luke 20:13, and often in Attic writings. Ἴσως carries the sense of “perhaps, possibly, hopefully.” Rooted in ἴσος (“equal”), it shades the thought that an expected response might “balance out” or be “in keeping” with what has been offered. The adverb therefore communicates cautious optimism rather than mere uncertainty. Biblical Occurrence: Luke 20:13 Luke 20:13: “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Perhaps (ἴσως) they will respect him.’” The single New Testament usage appears in Jesus’ Parable of the Wicked Tenants. After repeated rejections of his servants, the vineyard owner chooses to send his “beloved son,” holding out the hope—expressed by ἴσως—that the tenants might yet respond rightly. Theological Themes Highlighted by ἴσως 1. Divine Patience The word underscores the longsuffering character of God. Despite mounting rebellion, He still entertains the possibility of repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). 2. Human Freedom and Accountability Ἴσως leaves room for either obedience or rejection. The tenants’ eventual murder of the son shows that grace extended does not guarantee compliance; human agents remain responsible for their response. 3. Christological Expectation By placing ἴσως in the mouth of the vineyard owner, Jesus reveals the Father's heart toward His “beloved Son.” Although foreknowing the cross (Luke 18:31-33), the narrative momentarily lingers on the genuine offer of salvation through honoring the Son. Broader Scriptural Echoes of the “Perhaps” Motif While ἴσως itself is unique to Luke 20:13, Scripture often employs “perhaps” to convey hope that repentance might occur: Together these texts create a consistent biblical pattern: God’s servants act in hope that sinners may yet respond, even when outcome is uncertain. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Preaching and Evangelism The adverb encourages persistent proclamation. Even hardened hearts may yet “respect the Son” when confronted anew with the gospel. • Intercessory Prayer Believers pray with the same hopeful “perhaps,” trusting that God can soften those who presently reject Christ. • Discipleship and Church Discipline Correction is administered not as final judgment but in the expectation of restored fellowship (Matthew 18:15; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Historical Reflection Early Christian writers found in Luke 20:13 support for evangelistic perseverance. Patristic homilies often highlighted the vineyard owner’s patience as a model for the Church’s mission to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the centuries. Summary Ἴσως, though appearing only once in the Greek New Testament, serves as a linchpin of the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. It conveys the Father’s hopeful longing that His beloved Son would be honored, lays bare the gravity of rejecting that offer, and energizes the Church to labor and pray with the same patient expectancy until Christ returns. |
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