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ἥμισυ

hḗmisy

G2255 indefinite pronoun

SILEX Entry

Root ἡμι- to divide, to halve

Definition

Half; one of two equal parts of a whole. Used to indicate an equal division or partition, whether of quantity, time, number, or other divisible entities. In context, refers to 'half of a period,' 'half of an object,' or 'half of a sum.'

Semantic Range

half (of a whole), one of two equal parts, partial division, half a quantity, half a period of time, half an object

Root / Etymology

From the indeclinable prefix ἡμι- (hēmi-, 'half'), ultimately related to the Proto-Indo-European *semi- ('half'). ἥμισυ is the neuter substantive form of the adjective, functioning as a noun meaning 'half.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἥμισυ is found in both classical and Koine Greek and consistently means 'half' in quantifiable contexts (e.g., time, money, measurements). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it typically refers to half of a period of time (such as 'half an hour'), half of an object, or similar proportional divisions. The substantive neuter form functions as a stand-alone noun ('a half') while the adjectival form (ἥμισυς, -εια, -υ) describes something as 'half.' The English 'half' is an adequate translation in most contexts; the semantic range is quite stable from classical through Koine usage. The word is not particular to religious or theological contexts and does not reflect later metaphorical extensions. Greek regularly uses ἡμι- as a prefix in compounded words to denote 'half' or 'partial' qualities (e.g., ἡμίθεος, 'demigod'). ἥμισυ does not carry any metaphorical or idiomatic senses in biblical Greek; its meaning is strictly quantifiable and literal.

Translation Consistency

primary "half" 5 occurrences

ἥμισυ consistently means one of two equal parts — the natural, idiomatic English choice is “half.” It matches the SILEX range (half of an object, quantity, or period) and is already attested across the P2 renderings.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a derivative from an inseparable prefix akin to ἅμα (through the idea of partition involved in connection) and meaning semi-; (as noun) half:--half.

Root Family

ἥμισυ (hēmisy) — half, one of two equal parts, divided portion

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2255-03 ἥμισυ emisu QUAN ACC N SG a half half half 3
G2255-02 ἡμίσους emisous PRO.I GEN N SG half of half half 1
G2255-01 ἡμίσιά emisia PRO.I ACC N PL half halves half 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2255-02 Mark 6:23 ἡμίσους emisous PRO.I GEN N SG half of half half
G2255-01 Luke 19:8 ἡμίσιά emisia PRO.I ACC N PL half halves half
G2255-03 Revelation 11:9 ἥμισυ emisu QUAN ACC N SG a half half half
G2255-03 Revelation 11:11 ἥμισυ emisu QUAN ACC N SG a half half half
G2255-03 Revelation 12:14 ἥμισυ emisu PRO.I ACC N SG half half half
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