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ἰσότης

isótēs

G2471 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἰσ- equal, balanced, fair

Definition

Equality—state or quality of being equal, particularly in terms of proportion, fairness, or distributive justice. In specific contexts, refers to equitable treatment or impartiality, often regarding the allocation of resources, responsibilities, or judgments.

Semantic Range

equality; fairness; equity, particularly distributive equality or reciprocity, impartiality in judgment or action; parity or equivalence

Root / Etymology

From the root ἴσος (isos, 'equal'), with the suffix -της indicating a quality or state. Thus, ἰσότης is 'the quality or state of being equal.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἰσότης appears most frequently in philosophical and political discussions, denoting equality or parity—whether before the law, in social standing, or in numerical quantity. It carried implications of fairness, justice, and proportional equity. In the Hellenistic period, including the Septuagint, the term is less frequent but may describe moral or social equity. In the New Testament (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:14), ἰσότης emphasizes equitable distribution—Paul uses it in the context of sharing material goods so that community members can experience fairness. Standard English translations as 'equality' or 'fairness' generally capture the semantic scope, though the nuance of distributive justice or reciprocal fairness may be understated without contextual elaboration. The term does not inherently imply absolute sameness but often pertains to proportional or just balance. It stands in contrast to terms like δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, 'justice') or ὁμοιότης (homoiotēs, 'likeness'), which emphasize other aspects of legal or moral order.

Root Family

ἰσότης (isotēs) — equality, fairness, equity

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2471-02 ἰσότητα isoteta N ACC F SG equity equality 1
G2471-03 ἰσότητος isotetos N GEN F SG of equality 1
G2471-01 ἰσότης isotes N NOM F SG equality 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2471-03 2 Corinthians 8:13 ἰσότητος isotetos N GEN F SG of equality
G2471-01 2 Corinthians 8:14 ἰσότης isotes N NOM F SG equality
G2471-02 Colossians 4:1 ἰσότητα isoteta N ACC F SG equity equality
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