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ὡς

hōs

G5613 subordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Definition

As, in the manner of, in the way that; an adverb introducing comparison, manner, degree, or rationale. Used to indicate similarity or correspondence to something, to express purpose or result, to introduce reported speech or thought, or to qualify the manner of an action. In various contexts, ὡς can function as: (1) a comparative ('as, like'), (2) a marker of manner ('in the way that, how'), (3) a conjunction for result or purpose ('so that, in order that'), (4) an indicator of approximation or estimation ('about, nearly'), or (5) as a clause introduction indicating cause or time ('since, when').

Semantic Range

as, like, in the manner of, as if, how, according as, since, because, about (approximately), so that, in order that, when, while, that (in reported speech), to wit, unto

Root / Etymology

From the demonstrative pronoun ὅς ('who, which') with comparative force; the precise formation is debated but is associated with Proto-Indo-European roots for pronominal and comparative uses. Historically related to other Indo-European adverbials expressing manner or likeness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὡς is an extremely versatile adverb and conjunction in Greek, with a wide functional range found from early Classical literature through the Koine period into the NT and LXX. In classical Greek, its central use is comparative ('as, like'), but it also develops temporal and causal senses ('when, since'), as well as applications in indirect statements or thoughts ('that he said...'). In Koine and biblical Greek, ὡς retains all these senses and often serves as a marker introducing parables, similes, or reported speech — contexts where correspondences or illustrative comparisons are highlighted. English translations usually render ὡς as 'as,' 'like,' or 'when,' but less frequently as 'about' (for approximation) or 'so that.' The range of senses overlaps with ὥσπερ (more emphatic comparison), καθὼς (exact correspondence), and ὅτι (for cause, 'because' or 'that' in reported speech). Careful attention to context is needed to select the most suitable English rendering, as single-word equivalents rarely capture the full nuance. Usage in the LXX and NT can mirror Hebrew כְּ ('like, as'), especially in figurative or parabolic language.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.

Root Family

ὡς (hōs) — as, like, in the manner of, as if

Root ὡς as, like, in the manner of, as if
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G3739 ὅς as

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5613-01 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as 503

Occurrences in Scripture

503 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5613-01 Matthew 1:24 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 5:48 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 6:5 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 6:10 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 6:12 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 6:16 ὡς os CONJ.S like as as
G5613-01 Matthew 6:29 ὡς os CONJ.S like as as
G5613-01 Matthew 7:29 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 7:29 ὡς os-2 CONJ.S as as as
G5613-01 Matthew 8:13 ὡς os CONJ.S as as as
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