Lexical Summary hósei: As if, like, about, approximately Original Word: ὡσεί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance like, aboutFrom hos and ei; as if -- about, as (it had been, it were), like (as). see GREEK hos see GREEK ei NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from hós and ei Definition as if, as it were, like NASB Translation about (10), about* (1), like (3), much like (1), some (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5616: ὡσείὡσεί (ὡς and εἰ (Tdf. Proleg., p. 110)), adverb, from Homer down, properly, as if, i. e. a. as it were (had been), as though, as, like as, like: Matthew 3:16; Matthew 9:36 (Treg. ὡς); Luke 3:22 (L T Tr WH ὡς); Acts 2:3; Acts 6:15; Acts 9:18 (L T Tr WH ὡς); Romans 6:13 L T Tr WH; Hebrews 1:12; also Rec. in Mark 1:10; John 1:32; γίνεσθαι ὡσεί, Matthew 28:4 R G; Mark 9:26; Luke 22:44 (L brackets WH reject the passive); εἶναι ὡσεί, Matthew 28:3 (L T Tr WH ὡς), and Rec. in Hebrews 11:12 and Revelation 1:14; φαίνεσθαι ὡσεί τί, to appear like a thing, Luke 24:11. b. about, nearly: α. before numerals: Matthew 14:21; Luke 1:56 (R G); The particle appears twenty-one times in the Greek New Testament, functioning primarily in two ways: (1) drawing vivid comparisons that make invisible or unfamiliar truths comprehensible, and (2) giving approximate numbers, ages, times, or distances. Both uses serve a pastoral purpose—strengthening the reader’s trust in the accuracy of the biblical record while awakening imagination and moral response. Comparative Imagery in the Gospels • Matthew 3:16 pictures the Spirit “descending like a dove,” a gentle comparison that communicates both the reality of the Spirit’s coming and the character of His ministry. These comparisons do not weaken the events; rather, they allow the reader to grasp profound spiritual realities through familiar pictures. Approximation of Numbers, Time, and Distance The same particle supplies trustworthy yet flexible reporting of facts: Such wording affirms the historical character of Scripture while acknowledging the writer’s rounded figures, a normal practice in eyewitness testimony. Bridging the Natural and Supernatural In Acts 2:3 tongues “like flames of fire” rest on each believer, and in Acts 6:15 Stephen’s face appears “like the face of an angel.” The wording preserves historical realism—these were genuine events—while protecting the transcendent mystery of divine manifestations. Hebrews 1:12 portrays the created order that God will roll up “like a robe,” contrasting creation’s changeability with the unchangeable Son. Ministry of the Early Church Acts repeatedly employs the particle when summarizing the size and development of the community (Acts 1:15; 2:41; 19:7). Luke thus records measurable evidence of gospel advance without overstating precision, encouraging modern readers to rejoice in growth while remembering that God Himself adds to the church. Moral and Pastoral Exhortation Romans 6:13 urges believers to present themselves to God “as those who have been brought from death to life,” a comparison that grounds ethical living in resurrection reality. The image calls Christians to embody what God has already accomplished. Theological Significance 1. Epistemological humility: By means of approximation the text acknowledges human limitation while maintaining full truthfulness. Homiletic and Devotional Value Preachers and teachers often rely on the same pastoral logic—using comparisons and rounded figures—to convey doctrine clearly and memorably. The particle’s biblical usage validates this approach, encouraging communicators to engage both mind and imagination for the glory of God. Summary Throughout the New Testament the particle translated “like,” “as,” or “about” serves the dual purpose of clarity and credibility. It dignifies eyewitness testimony, enriches doctrinal proclamation, and shapes pastoral application, reminding readers that God’s revelation is both historically anchored and spiritually illuminating. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 3:16 AdvGRK: θεοῦ καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν καὶ KJV: of God descending like a dove, and INT: God descending as a dove and Matthew 9:36 Adv Matthew 14:21 Adv Mark 9:26 Adv Luke 3:23 Adv Luke 9:14 Adv Luke 9:14 Adv Luke 9:28 Adv Luke 22:41 Adv Luke 22:44 Adv Luke 22:59 Adv Luke 23:44 Adv Luke 24:11 Adv Acts 1:15 Adv Acts 2:3 Adv Acts 2:41 Adv Acts 6:15 Adv Acts 10:3 Adv Acts 19:7 Adv Romans 6:13 Adv Hebrews 1:12 Adv |
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