"as if; as it were, as, like, Mt. 3:16; 9:36; with terms of number or quantity, about, Mt. 14:21; Lk. 1:56; 22:41, 59"
Definition and meaning
as if; as it were, as, like, Mt. 3:16; 9:36; with terms of number or quantity, about, Mt. 14:21; Lk. 1:56; 22:41, 59
In the original Greek the word is written: ὡσεί
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hosei (G5616) across the King James Bible.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
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Common questions
Strong's G5616 (hosei) is a Greek word that means: as if; as it were, as, like, Mt. 3:16; 9:36; with terms of number or quantity, about, Mt. 14:21; Lk. 1:56; 22:41, 59 It appears 34 times in the King James Bible.
The word hosei (G5616) appears 34 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5616 is hosei, a Greek word defined as: as if; as it were, as, like, Mt. 3:16; 9:36; with terms of number or quantity, about, Mt. 14:21; Lk. 1:56; 22:41, 59. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hosei is a Greek word found in the New Testament.