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σχεδόν

schedón

G4975 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Adverb indicating proximity in degree or time: nearly, almost, close to (in numerical, spatial, or figurative sense). Primarily expresses something that falls just short of a particular amount, quality, state, or threshold. Frequently modifies verbs to indicate an action or state that comes close to happening or being the case, but stops short of actualization.

Semantic Range

nearly, almost, close to, approximately, just short of, near (in a figurative sense)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root σχ- (from ἔχω, 'to have, to hold'), with -εδόν forming the adverbial suffix, together indicating a state of being 'held near' or 'close by.' The precise morphological history is somewhat uncertain, as the form schedón does not have extensive attestation in earlier Greek, but it is clearly connected to words involving proximity and holding.

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in post-classical and Hellenistic Greek, σχεδόν is absent from the earliest (Classical) literary works and appears primarily in Koine and later literature, including the Septuagint and the New Testament. In discourse, σχεδόν typically marks an approximation, whether quantitative ('nearly five thousand men'), qualitative ('almost persuaded'), or temporal ('almost at the same hour'). It is not a synonym for παρά, which more specifically denotes physical nearness. Modern English translations often render the word as 'almost' or 'nearly,' which are generally adequate but sometimes miss its subtle use of denoting that something is so close as to be functionally indistinguishable in context. No theological or later developed senses are attached to this term. Use of σχεδόν in non-biblical Koine Greek also indicates approximation or near-completion rather than spatial proximity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a presumed derivative of the alternate of ἔχω as adverb; nigh, i.e. nearly:--almost.

Root Family

σχεδόν (schedon) — nearly, almost, close to, just short of, approximately

Root σχ- to have, to hold (as base meanings for the root)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4975-01 σχεδὸν schedon ADV almost nearly nearly 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4975-01 Acts 13:44 σχεδὸν schedon ADV almost nearly nearly
G4975-01 Acts 19:26 σχεδὸν schedon ADV almost nearly nearly
G4975-01 Hebrews 9:22 σχεδὸν schedon ADV almost nearly almost
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