ὅμως
hómōs
G3676 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb marking concession or persistent circumstance, indicating that despite preceding considerations or conditions, an action or state occurs — commonly translated as 'nevertheless', 'yet', 'still', or 'however'. It serves to introduce a statement that stands in contrast to, or persists in spite of, what has just been said. Ὅμως is typically used to signal that the following statement remains true or is conceded, even though the prior information might imply otherwise.
Semantic Range
nevertheless, yet, still, however, nonetheless, in spite of that, all the same
Root / Etymology
From the base ὁμοῦ ('together, in the same place/time') with adverbial suffix, related to ὁμός (‘same, like’). The formation is typical for adverbs indicating manner or state, derived from the stem ὁμ- plus the common -ως ending. Thus, ὅμως originally meant 'in the same way' or 'equally', but developed a concessive force ('nonetheless', 'however').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ὅμως is attested from at least the 5th century BCE, mainly in the sense of 'equally', 'all the same', or concessively 'nevertheless'. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament Greek, ὅμως had firmly established itself as a standard adverb of concession or persistence in the face of circumstances. Its use is largely parallel to 'nevertheless' in English. It is distinct from ὅμως meaning 'at the same time' or 'simultaneously' (less common in later Greek, more a feature of ὁμοῦ). In the New Testament and Hellenistic Greek more broadly, it retains the force of introducing something that persists 'in spite of' what precedes, often marking tension or contrast. English Bible translations typically render it as 'nevertheless', 'yet', or 'still', though the concessive—and sometimes emphatic—force can be understated or lost in some translations. Ὅμως should be differentiated from ὁμοῦ ('together') and from ὁμοίως ('likewise'), both of which carry different nuances.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from the base of ὁμοῦ; at the same time, i.e. (conjunctionally) notwithstanding, yet still:--and even, nevertheless, though but.
Root Family
ὅμως (homōs) — same, alike, together; nevertheless, still
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3676-01 |
ὅμως | omos | ADV |
even | nevertheless | nevertheless | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3676-01 |
John 12:42 | ὅμως | omos | ADV |
nevertheless | nevertheless | nevertheless |
G3676-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:7 | ὅμως | omos | ADV |
even | nevertheless | nevertheless |
G3676-01 |
Galatians 3:15 | ὅμως | omos | ADV |
though | nevertheless | nevertheless |