Extraordinary Appearances: ὡσπερεί (Strong’s G5619: hōsperei) Illustrates Divine Vision

Strong’s G5619: From two particles meaning “just as if” or “as it were.” Indicates comparison or approximation, expressing a hypothetical or figurative likeness. Used in contexts of spiritual visions and supernatural appearances, particularly in Pauline literature. Classical usage extends to philosophical analogies.

U- Unveiling the Word

Hōsperei serves as a specialized comparative particle in Koine Greek, expressing a hypothetical or approximate similarity – “as if” or “as it were.” In its sole New Testament occurrence, Paul employs it to describe his extraordinary apostolic calling, comparing his encounter with the risen Christ to an untimely or premature birth. This vivid simile underscores both the unusual nature of Paul’s apostleship and the transformative power of divine revelation. The word’s precision in marking approximation remains relevant in modern theological discourse, particularly when describing spiritual experiences or divine encounters that defy literal description.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὡσπερεί, hōsperei, /hōs-per-ei/
• Pronounced: hoce-per-EE
• Part of Speech: Particle (comparative)

Etymology:

• ὡς (hōs) – “as, like”
• περ (per) – intensive particle
• εἰ (ei) – “if”

D – Defining Meanings

• Precisely as if
• Just as though
• As it were

For compound words:
The combination of ὡς (expressing comparison) with περ (adding emphasis) and εἰ (suggesting conditionality) creates a precise tool for marking approximate or hypothetical comparisons.

Translation Options:

• “as if” – captures the hypothetical nature
• “just as” – emphasizes the comparative aspect
• “as though” – conveys the imaginative element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὡς (hōs) – “as, like” – simpler comparison See G5613
• καθώς (kathōs) – “just as, even as” – expressing correspondence See G2531
• ὥσπερ (hōsper) – “just as” – stronger comparison See G5618

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a particle, hōsperei is indeclinable. However, its components show interesting morphological features:

• ὡς – Basic comparative particle
• περ – Intensive enclitic
• εἰ – Conditional particle

These combine to form a fixed expression that functions as a unit in Greek syntax.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize hōsperei’s role in precise comparison. BDAG notes its specialized use in approximations and hypothetical situations. Thayer’s highlights its connection to vivid imagery, particularly in spiritual contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage in philosophical writings where exact parallels are difficult to draw. Moulton and Milligan observe its relative rarity in papyri, suggesting its more literary character. Vine’s emphasizes its unique contribution to Paul’s self-description in his apostolic calling narrative.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
1 Corinthians 15:8: “and last of all, [ὡσπερεί] as to one untimely born, he appeared to me also.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Hōsperei represents a precisely crafted tool in biblical Greek for expressing approximate or hypothetical comparisons. Its singular New Testament usage in Paul’s testimony highlights the extraordinary nature of his apostolic calling. The word combines three particles to create a nuanced expression of comparison that proves especially valuable when describing spiritual realities that transcend literal description. This linguistic precision serves the gospel by helping communicate divine truths through careful analogy and comparison.

D – Did You Know?

• It’s the most precise comparative particle in biblical Greek, combining three elements
• Its single New Testament occurrence marks one of Paul’s most personal testimonies
• Classical authors frequently used it in philosophical discussions of divine matters

Strong’s G5619: A compound particle combining “as” (hōs), the intensive “per,” and the conditional “ei” to form a precise tool for marking hypothetical or approximate comparisons, especially useful in describing spiritual experiences or divine encounters.

Part of speech: Particle

Tags: comparison, simile, Pauline vocabulary, apostleship, spiritual vision, divine encounters, Greek particles, biblical Greek, New Testament hapax legomena​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​