Divine Comparison: ὥσπερ (Strong’s G5618: hōsper) – The Perfect Parallel

Strong’s G5618: A comparative conjunction derived from ‘hōs’ and ‘per’, meaning “just as, even as, exactly like.” Used to draw precise parallels and comparisons, particularly in theological contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Hōsper serves as a precise comparative conjunction in New Testament Greek, drawing exact parallels between concepts. It strengthens comparisons beyond the simpler ‘hōs’, emphasizing complete correspondence between compared elements. Theologically, it’s crucial in passages where divine truths are illustrated through earthly analogies, particularly in Jesus’ parables and Paul’s doctrinal explanations. The early church valued this word for its role in expressing the relationship between heavenly and earthly realities. Today, it remains significant in understanding biblical parallelism and divine-human relationships.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὥσπερ, hōsper, hōs’-per
• Pronunciation: ho (as in “ho-ho”) + sper (as in “spare”)
• Part of Speech: Conjunction

Etymology:

• ὥς (hōs) – “as, like”
• περ (per) – intensive particle meaning “very, just”

D – Defining Meanings

• Exactly as
• Just as
• Even as

For compound words:
The combination of ὥς (basic comparison) with περ (intensive) creates a strengthened comparative meaning

Translation Options:

• “Just as” – Emphasizes precise correspondence
• “Exactly as” – Highlights complete parallelism
• “Even as” – Maintains formal equivalence while expressing intensity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καθώς (kathōs) [ka-thōs’] – a more specific “according as” – See G2531
• ὡς (hōs) [hōs] – simple “as, like” – See G5613

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a conjunction, ὥσπερ is indeclinable, meaning it doesn’t change form based on case, number, or gender.

• Cross-references: Related adverbial forms include ὡσπερεί (hōsperei)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical evidence for ὥσπερ shows consistent usage as a precise comparative conjunction. BDAG emphasizes its role in drawing exact parallels, while Thayer’s highlights its intensive force compared to simple ὡς. LSJ provides evidence of its classical usage in precise comparisons. Vine’s notes its particular importance in theological comparisons, while Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in Koine Greek for everyday comparisons. The word maintains its intensive comparative force across various contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Be ye therefore perfect, even as [ὥσπερ] your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Additional References:
Matthew 12:40
Matthew 13:40
Matthew 20:28
John 5:21
Romans 5:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The conjunction ὥσπερ plays a vital role in biblical expression by establishing precise parallels between divine and human realities. Its intensive comparative force helps convey deep theological truths through accessible analogies. In the gospel message, it powerfully illustrates how Christ’s work perfectly corresponds to our needs, drawing exact parallels between heavenly truths and earthly understanding, ultimately pointing to the perfect alignment between God’s plan and its fulfillment in Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

• ὥσπερ appears most frequently in Matthew’s gospel among the evangelists
• It’s often used in Jesus’ parables to draw precise parallels between kingdom principles and everyday life
• The word maintains virtually unchanged meaning from classical to Koine Greek

Strong’s G5618: A comparative conjunction combining ὥς (“as”) with περ (intensive particle), used to draw exact parallels. Essential in biblical Greek for expressing precise correspondences, especially in theological contexts where divine truths are compared with earthly realities.

Part of speech: Conjunction

Tags: comparison, conjunction, parallel, simile, metaphor, theological-comparison, biblical-greek, intensive-comparison​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​