ὡσεὶ
hōseí
like
A comparative particle introducing similarity, approximation, or supposition; primarily meaning 'as if' or 'like', used to denote resemblance (real or perceived), approximation, or hypothetical comparison. Can introduce a comparison to illustrate resemblance, an analogy to clarify meaning, or to indicate uncertainty or estimation.
Matthew 9:36 · Word #13
Lexicon G5616
| Lemma | ὡσεί |
| Transliteration | hōseí |
| Strong's | G5616 |
| Definition | A comparative particle introducing similarity, approximation, or supposition; primarily meaning 'as if' or 'like', used to denote resemblance (real or perceived), approximation, or hypothetical comparison. Can introduce a comparison to illustrate resemblance, an analogy to clarify meaning, or to indicate uncertainty or estimation. |
Morphology CONJ.S
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | CONJ.S — Subordinating Conjunction — Introduces dependent clauses |
Common Translation
| Phrase | like |
| Literal | as-if |
Lexical Info
| Lemma | ὡσεί |
| Strong's | G5616 |
SIBI-P1 Translation G5616-01
as if
| Morphological Notes | Comparative particle (subordinating conjunction/adverbial); indeclinable and uninflected. |
| Rendering Rationale | The compound particle from ὡς (as/like) and εἰ (if) most fundamentally expresses comparison or supposition—"as if." As an uninflected comparative particle (subordinating conjunction/adverbial particle), its function is to introduce resemblance, approximation, or hypothetical comparison. |
View full lexicon entry for G5616 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
as if
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 ('as if') is a correct and contextually suitable rendering for ὡσεὶ, marking a comparison. |