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ἴσως

ísōs

G2481 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Adverb indicating likelihood, possibility, or probability; conveys the sense of 'perhaps' or 'possibly'—an uncertain or provisional affirmation. Used to introduce a statement or action as having a chance of being true or occurring, without expressing certainty.

Semantic Range

equally, in like manner, in equal fashion; about, nearly, almost; perhaps, possibly, it may be

Root / Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἴσος ('equal'), with the adverbial ending -ως. The original sense relates to 'in an equal manner' or 'on equal footing,' extended metaphorically to indicate equality of possibility ('as it may turn out,' 'perhaps').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἴσως originates as an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'in like manner,' rooted in the adjective ἴσος. Over time, especially in Hellenistic and Koine periods, the sense broadened to express approximation or equivalence ('about,' 'almost') and developed the epistemic sense of probability or uncertainty ('possibly,' 'perhaps'). By the New Testament and Septuagint period, the usage as 'perhaps' or 'it may be' is attested, expressing conjecture or likelihood rather than certainty. English translations typically render ἴσως as 'perhaps' or 'maybe,' accurately capturing the common Koine usage. Earlier, the word often had a more literal sense of equality, which is largely obsolete in later Greek. There is no significant theological or terminological nuance attached to its usage; it functions as a modal adverb expressing doubt or possibility rather than established fact.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from ἴσος; likely, i.e. perhaps:--it may be.

Root Family

ἴσως (isōs) — equal, in like manner, equivalently, perhaps, possibly

Root ἰσ- equal, like; to make equal, to be equivalent

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2481-01 ἴσως isos ADV perhaps perhaps perhaps 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2481-01 Luke 20:13 ἴσως isos ADV perhaps perhaps perhaps
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