ὥσπερ
hṓsper
G5618 subordinating conjunction
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb meaning 'just as,' 'exactly as,' or 'in precisely the manner that.' Primarily used to introduce comparisons, parallels, analogies, or proportional relationships between two statements or actions. May also serve to emphasize the exactness or completeness of a comparison, reinforcing the likeness between things, situations, or processes.
Semantic Range
exactly as, just as, even as, in precisely the same way as, in the very manner that
Root / Etymology
Compound of ὡς ('as, like') and the enclitic particle περ (which strengthens or emphasizes), thus forming an intensified comparative adverb. Both elements are common in classical and Koine Greek; the formation as a compound is characteristic of Greek emphatic construction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὥσπερ is widely attested from classical Greek literature through the Koine period. It is used to draw parallels in argumentation, moral exhortation, parables, and illustrative statements. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently introduces similes or analogies, often in didactic or parabolic contexts. In some cases, ὥσπερ marks the protasis of comparative clauses, often coupled with an apodosis introduced by οὕτως ('so, in this way'), together expressing a balanced comparison ('just as...so...'). Unlike ὡς alone, ὥσπερ is more forceful, highlighting the precision and completeness of the similarity. English translations such as 'just as,' 'even as,' or 'exactly as' often render the sense, though nuances of stress may be lost. Its usage remains essentially consistent across Greek literary periods, but the heightened emphasis is especially notable in rhetorical or didactic contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὡς and περ; just as, i.e. exactly like:--(even, like) as.
Root Family
ὥσπερ (hōsper) — just as, exactly as, in the same manner as
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5618-01 |
ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
as | just as | just as | 36 |
Occurrences in Scripture
36 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5618-01 |
Matthew 6:2 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 6:7 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 12:40 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 13:40 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 18:17 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 20:28 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 24:27 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 24:37 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 25:14 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
just as | just as | just as |
G5618-01 |
Matthew 25:32 | ὥσπερ | osper | CONJ.S |
as | just as | just as |