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ἴσος

ísos

G2470 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

having the same measure, level, or degree; characterized by being equal, matching, or equivalent in quantity, quality, status, or value. In various contexts, ἴσος denotes mathematical equality, balanced proportion, parity in social or legal standing, or even similarity in attributes or circumstances.

Semantic Range

equal, equivalent, identical, of like nature or degree, of equal rank or status, parity, as much as, matching, agreeing

Root / Etymology

The term ἴσος is of uncertain etymology; traditionally linked to the Proto-Indo-European root *is- ('equal, even') but Greek derivation within the language is unclear. The association with εἴδω (to see) or 'seeming' is not linguistically substantiated by ancient evidence.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἴσος primarily designated physical equality (e.g., in length, weight, or number), as in geometry and arithmetic. Extending from the literal sense, by the classical period the term commonly denoted parity in status or rights, especially in political or civic discourse (e.g., 'isonomia' — equality under the law). In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, it continued to refer both to strict equivalence in quantity or quality and to social or moral parity: for example, in John 5:18, ἴσος τῷ θεῷ ('equal with God') implies a status or nature understood as identical in rank or being. English translations often use 'equal,' 'as much as,' or 'like,' but these may obscure the original texture, which depends heavily on context (egalitarian, quantitative, or qualitative). Related terms such as ὅμοιος (similar, resembling) stress resemblance rather than exact equality. ἴσος is rare in the Septuagint but is used in Greek mathematical and philosophical works to denote strict equivalence.

Translation Consistency

primary "equal" 7 occurrences

ἴσος primarily denotes being equal, equivalent, or matching in measure, rank, or degree. “Equal” is the natural, common English word that covers the full typical semantic range (parity, equivalence, matching, as much as) and matches the majority of existing renderings, making it the best consistent base form for all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from εἴδω (through the idea of seeming); similar (in amount and kind):--+ agree, as much, equal, like.

Root Family

ἰσ- (ísos) — equal, the same, equivalent

Root ἰσ- equal, the same, equivalent
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2471 ἰσότης equality
G2481 ἴσως perhaps

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2470-01 ἴσα isa ADJ.S ACC N PL equal equal things equal things 2
G2470-02 ἴσαι isai ADJ.P NOM F PL equal equal (feminine plural) equal 1
G2470-03 ἴση ise ADJ.P NOM F SG equal equal (feminine singular) equal 1
G2470-04 ἴσην isen ADJ.A ACC F SG same equal (feminine singular accusative) equal 1
G2470-05 ἴσον ison ADJ.S ACC M SG equal an equal equal 1
G2470-06 ἴσους isous ADJ.S ACC M PL equal equals equals 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2470-06 Matthew 20:12 ἴσους isous ADJ.S ACC M PL equal equals equals
G2470-02 Mark 14:56 ἴσαι isai ADJ.P NOM F PL equal equal (feminine plural) equal
G2470-03 Mark 14:59 ἴση ise ADJ.P NOM F SG equal equal (feminine singular) equal
G2470-01 Luke 6:34 ἴσα isa ADJ.S ACC N PL same equal things equal things
G2470-05 John 5:18 ἴσον ison ADJ.S ACC M SG equal an equal equal
G2470-04 Acts 11:17 ἴσην isen ADJ.A ACC F SG same equal (feminine singular accusative) equal
G2470-01 Revelation 21:16 ἴσα isa ADJ.P NOM N PL equal equal things equal things
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