5618. hósper
Lexical Summary
hósper: Just as, even as, as

Original Word: ὥσπερ
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: hósper
Pronunciation: HOCE-per
Phonetic Spelling: (hoce'-per)
KJV: (even, like) as
NASB: just, like, just like, indeed
Word Origin: [from G5613 (ὡς - like) and G4007 (πέρ - about)]

1. just as, i.e. exactly like

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
just as, even as

From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like -- (even, like) as.

see GREEK hos

see GREEK per

HELPS Word-studies

5618 hṓsper (an emphatic adverb, derived from 4007 /per, "indeed" intensifying 5613 /hōs, "as") – "indeed just as," "just exactly like."

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from hós and per
Definition
just as, even as
NASB Translation
indeed (1), just (13), just like (3), like (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5618: ὥσπερ

ὥσπερ ((cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 110); from ὡς and the enclitic particle περ, which, "in its usual way, augments and brings out the force of ὡς Klotz ad Devar. 2:2, p. 768; see περ), adverb (from Homer down), just as, even as;

a. in a protasis with a finite verb, and followed by οὕτως or οὕτως καί in the apodosis (cf. Winer's Grammar, §§ 53, 5; 60, 5): Matthew 12:40; Matthew 13:40; Matthew 24:27, 37f, 38 (L T Tr (cf. ὡς at the beginning) WH ὡς); Luke 17:24; John 5:21, 26; Romans 5:19, 21; Romans 6:4, 19; Romans 11:30; 1 Corinthians 11:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 1:7 (here L T Tr WH ὡς); Galatians 4:29; Ephesians 5:24 (L T Tr WH ὡς); James 2:26; ὥσπερ ... ἵνα καί ((cf. Winers Grammar, § 43, 5 a.; Buttmann, 241 (208); cf. ἵνα, II. 4 b.)), 2 Corinthians 8:7; εὐλογίαν ... ἑτοίμην εἶναι (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 44, 1 c.) οὕτως ὡς ἐυλογινα καί μή ὥσπερ etc. 'that your bounty might so be ready as a matter of bounty and not as if' etc. 2 Corinthians 9:5 (but only Rec. reads ὥσπερ, and even so the example does not strictly belong under this entry); the apodosis which should have been introduced by οὕτως is lacking (Winers Grammar, § 64, 7 b.; p. 569 (530); cf. Buttmann, § 151, 12 and 23 g.): Romans 5:12 (here what Paul subjoined in Romans 5:13f to prove the truth of his statement πάντες ἥμαρτον, prevented him from adding the apodosis, which had it corresponded accurately to the terms of the protasis would have run as follows: οὕτω καί δἰ ἑνός ἀνθρώπου δικαιοσύνη εἰς τόν κόσμον εἰσῆλθε καί διά τῆς δικαιοσύνης ζωή. Καί οὕτως εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους ζωή διελεύσεται, ἐφ' πάντες δικαιωθήσονται; this thought he unfolds in verse 15ff in another form); Matthew 25:14 (here the extended details of the parable caused the writer to forget the apodosis which he had in mind at the beginning; (cf. ὡς, I. 4 c.)).

b. it stands in close relation to what precedes: Matthew 5:48 (L T Tr WH ὡς); (L T Tr WH ὡς), (L T Tr WH ὡς); ; Acts 3:17; Acts 11:15; 1 Corinthians 8:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Hebrews 4:10; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:25; Revelation 10:3; ὥσπερ γέγραπται, 1 Corinthians 10:7 L T Tr WH; εἰμί ὥσπερ τίς, to be of one's sort or class (not quite identical in meaning with ὡς or ὡσεί τίς, to be like one (cf. Bengel at the passage)), Luke 18:11 (but L Tr WH marginal reading ὡς); γίνομαι, Acts 2:2 (the genitive is apparently not to be explained by the omission of ἦχος, but rather as the genitive absolute: just as when a mighty wind blows, i. e. just as a sound is made when a mighty wind blows (R. V. as of the rushing of a mighty wind)); ἔστω σοι ὧπερ ἐθνικός κτλ., let him be regarded by thee as belonging to the number of etc. Matthew 18:17.

Topical Lexicon
Function within Biblical Discourse

Ὥσπερ serves as Scripture’s literary hinge for analogy. Whether introducing a simile, framing a doctrinal parallel, or sharpening a moral contrast, it alerts the reader to read the ensuing phrase relationally. Its frequency at key doctrinal junctures shows that the Spirit employs comparison as a principal teaching device, securing continuity between historical events and spiritual realities.

Old Testament Echoes and Inter-Testamental Usage

Although the term is Greek, the Hebrew mind was steeped in comparative reasoning—“like the days of Noah,” “as a father has compassion.” Septuagint translators often reached for ὥσπερ when rendering כְּ (ke) similes (for example, Psalm 103:13 LXX). By the first century the word had become a natural bridge by which Jewish-Christian authors connected prophetic patterns with Christ’s fulfillment.

Gospel Illustrations and Jesus’ Teaching Method

Matthew highlights ὥσπερ to clarify kingdom principles:
Matthew 6:2,7 – Almsgiving and prayer are to be sincere, “just as” hypocrisy is condemned.
Matthew 12:40 – Jonah’s entombment stands “just as” the sign of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:27,37 – Lightning and Noah’s days picture the suddenness of Christ’s return.

Luke 17:24 parallels this eschatological flash, while Luke 18:11 exposes pharisaic pride “just as” others are despised. Here the comparison sharpens moral self-examination in discipleship.

Johannine Life-Giving Parallels

John 5:21,26 employs ὥσπερ to equate the Father’s and the Son’s life-imparting authority: “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes”. The same term safeguards the deity of Christ, showing His works mirror the Father’s.

Pentecost and Apostolic Preaching

Acts 2:2 depicts the Spirit’s arrival “like a violent rushing wind,” conveying perceptible yet intangible divine power. Peter’s sermon (Acts 3:17; 11:15) uses ὥσπερ to align prophetic ignorance with grace now revealed, underscoring continuity between Israel’s account and the gospel age.

Pauline Theology: Adam–Christ and Union with Christ

Romans 5 employs ὥσπερ three times (5:12,19,21) to compare Adam’s trespass with Christ’s obedience. The particle ties historical fact to theological consequence, grounding original sin and justification in real persons. Romans 6:4,19 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 extend the analogy to death-and-resurrection union: “For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” These ὥσπερ clauses become structural supports for the doctrine of federal headship and sanctification.

Church Practice and Order

1 Corinthians 16:1 links the Galatian collection model to Corinth: “Now about the collection for the saints, do the same as I instructed the churches of Galatia.” The comparison secures uniformity in church stewardship. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 8:7 exhorts generosity to abound “just as” faith, speech, and knowledge already do, integrating material giving with spiritual maturity.

Ethical Contrasts and Warnings

Galatians 4:29 contrasts persecution “just as” Ishmael opposed Isaac, teaching believers to expect opposition. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 warns that sudden destruction will come “just as” labor pains, reinforcing vigilance. Hebrews 9:25 contrasts Christ’s once-for-all offering with the repeated Levitical entries “just as” the high priest, elevating the finality of the cross.

Sabbath Rest and High-Priestly Work

Hebrews 4:10 employs ὥσπερ to correlate the believer’s rest with God’s Genesis rest, grounding assurance in creation’s completed work. Hebrews 7:27 and 9:25 further compare Christ’s singular sacrifice with daily and annual rituals, underscoring the superiority of the New Covenant.

Life and Breath Analogy in James

James 2:26 applies ὥσπερ to justify that “just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead,” a vivid physiological metaphor affirming that genuine faith necessarily manifests obedience.

Apocalyptic Imagery

Revelation 10:3 likens the mighty angel’s cry to a roaring lion. The simile ratifies the vision’s authority, portraying judgment and sovereignty with prophetic drama.

Doctrinal Significance

1. Revelation of God’s Nature: By paralleling Father and Son actions, ὥσπερ reinforces Trinitarian harmony.
2. Redemptive-Historical Framework: Adam-Christ, Jonah-Messiah, Noah-Parousia parallels root doctrine in history.
3. Ethics and Discipleship: The term connects divine example to human obligation—believers forgive, serve, and give “just as” Christ.
4. Eschatological Urgency: Comparisons to lightning, labor pains, and Noah’s flood cultivate readiness for the consummation.

Pastoral and Homiletical Application

• Illustrations: Preachers may lean on ὥσπερ texts to craft analogies that illuminate doctrine with daily life (e.g., James 2:26 for faith and works).
• Catechesis: Romans 5–6 provides a template for teaching federal headship and baptismal union through comparison.
• Counseling: Luke 18:11 warns against self-righteous comparison, guiding believers toward humility.

Historical Reception

Early fathers such as Irenaeus and Athanasius seized upon the Adam-Christ ὥσπερ to combat Gnosticism and Arianism, asserting both the reality of the incarnation and the unity of God’s saving plan. Reformers later mined these parallels for doctrines of imputation and substitutionary atonement.

Conclusion

Though a small connective, ὥσπερ weaves together revelation, history, and practice. Each occurrence calls believers to read events, doctrines, and ethics relationally—seeing in Christ the archetype “just as” the Scriptures consistently testify.

Forms and Transliterations
ώπερ ωσπερ ώσπερ ὥσπερ hosper hōsper hṓsper osper ōsper
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 6:2 Adv
GRK: ἔμπροσθέν σου ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ
KJV: before thee, as the hypocrites do
INT: before you as the hypocrites

Matthew 6:7 Adv
GRK: μὴ βατταλογήσητε ὥσπερ οἱ ἐθνικοί
KJV: vain repetitions, as the heathen
INT: not do use vain repetitions as the pagans

Matthew 12:40 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ἦν
NAS: for just as JONAH WAS THREE
KJV: For as Jonas was
INT: just as indeed was

Matthew 13:40 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ οὖν συλλέγεται
NAS: So just as the tares are gathered
KJV: As therefore the tares
INT: As therefore is gathered

Matthew 18:17 Adv
GRK: ἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς
KJV: unto thee as an heathen man
INT: let him be to you as the pagan

Matthew 20:28 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ ὁ υἱὸς
NAS: just as the Son of Man
KJV: Even as the Son of man
INT: even as the Son

Matthew 24:27 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ἡ
NAS: For just as the lightning comes
KJV: For as the lightning cometh
INT: just as indeed the

Matthew 24:37 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ αἱ
NAS: of Man will be just like the days
KJV: But as the days of Noe
INT: as indeed indeed the

Matthew 25:14 Adv
GRK: Ὥσπερ γὰρ ἄνθρωπος
NAS: For [it is] just like a man
KJV: For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man
INT: as indeed indeed a man

Matthew 25:32 Adv
GRK: ἀπ' ἀλλήλων ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν
KJV: from another, as a shepherd divideth
INT: from one another as the shepherd

Luke 17:24 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ἡ
NAS: For just like the lightning,
KJV: For as the lightning,
INT: as indeed the

Luke 18:11 Adv
GRK: οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποὶ
NAS: You that I am not like other people:
KJV: I am not as other men
INT: not I am as the rest

John 5:21 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ὁ
NAS: For just as the Father raises
KJV: For as the Father raiseth up
INT: Even as for the

John 5:26 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ὁ
NAS: For just as the Father has
KJV: For as the Father hath
INT: as indeed the

Acts 2:2 Adv
GRK: οὐρανοῦ ἦχος ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς
NAS: a noise like a violent
KJV: from heaven as of a rushing mighty
INT: heaven a sound as rushing of a wind

Acts 3:17 Adv
GRK: ἄγνοιαν ἐπράξατε ὥσπερ καὶ οἱ
NAS: in ignorance, just as your rulers
KJV: ye did [it], as [did] also
INT: ignorance you acted as also the

Acts 11:15 Adv
GRK: ἐπ' αὐτοὺς ὥσπερ καὶ ἐφ'
NAS: fell upon them just as [He did] upon us at the beginning.
KJV: on them, as on us
INT: upon them even as also upon

Romans 5:12 Adv
GRK: Διὰ τοῦτο ὥσπερ δι' ἑνὸς
NAS: Therefore, just as through one
KJV: Wherefore, as by one
INT: because of this as by one

Romans 5:19 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ διὰ
KJV: For as by one
INT: for as indeed by

Romans 5:21 Adv
GRK: ἵνα ὥσπερ ἐβασίλευσεν ἡ
KJV: That as sin hath reigned
INT: that as reigned the

Romans 6:4 Adv
GRK: θάνατον ἵνα ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς
KJV: that like as Christ
INT: death that as was raised up Christ

Romans 6:19 Adv
GRK: σαρκὸς ὑμῶν ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεστήσατε
NAS: of your flesh. For just as you presented
KJV: flesh: for as ye have yielded your
INT: flesh of you for as indeed you yielded

Romans 11:30 Adv
GRK: ὥσπερ γὰρ ὑμεῖς
NAS: For just as you once were disobedient
KJV: For as ye in times past
INT: just as indeed you

1 Corinthians 8:5 Adv
GRK: ἐπὶ γῆς ὥσπερ εἰσὶν θεοὶ
NAS: on earth, as indeed there are many
KJV: in earth, (as there be gods
INT: on earth as there are gods

1 Corinthians 10:7 Adv
GRK: τινες αὐτῶν ὥσπερ γέγραπται Ἐκάθισεν
INT: some of them as it has been written Sat down

Strong's Greek 5618
36 Occurrences


ὥσπερ — 36 Occ.

5617
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