probably from εἴδω (through the idea of seeming); similar (in amount and kind):--+ agree, as much, equal, like.
Transliteration:ísos
Pronunciation:ee'-sos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G2470 (ἴσος, *ísos*) carries the fundamental meaning of "equal," "similar," or "the same." Its etymological root is often linked to εἴδω (to see, perceive), suggesting something that "appears" or "is perceived" as identical or equivalent. This connection implies not merely a superficial resemblance but a substantive sameness in quality, quantity, or nature. The semantic range of ἴσος encompasses:
* **Equality in measure or quantity:** Referring to things of the same size, amount, or value.
* **Similarity in kind or quality:** Indicating items or persons that share essential characteristics or attributes.
* **Equivalence in status or authority:** Denoting parity in position, rank, or power.
* **Agreement or consistency:** When applied to testimony or statements, it signifies that they are in accord or congruent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2470 appears in various New Testament contexts, revealing its diverse applications:
* In **parables of economic transaction**, ἴσος denotes equality of payment or return. In [[Matthew 20:12]], the laborers who worked only one hour complain that they were made "equal" (*ísos*) to those who bore the full day's burden, highlighting a perceived injustice in remuneration. Similarly, [[Luke 6:34]] speaks of sinners lending to sinners to receive "back the same amount" (*ísa*), emphasizing a reciprocal exchange of equal value.
* In **legal contexts**, ἴσος refers to the consistency or agreement of testimony. In [[Mark 14:56]] and [[Mark 14:59]], during Jesus' trial, the false witnesses' testimonies are described as "not agreeing" (οὐκ ἴσαι, *ouk ísai*), underscoring the lack of consistency and truth in their accusations.
* In **descriptions of physical dimensions**, ἴσος signifies geometric equality. [[Revelation 21:16]] describes the New Jerusalem as having its "length and width and height are equal" (*ísa*), portraying its perfect, symmetrical form.
* Most profoundly, ἴσος is used to describe **divine equality**. In [[John 5:18]], the Jews sought to kill Jesus because, by calling God His own Father, He was "making himself equal with God" (ἴσον ἑαυτὸν ποιῶν τῷ Θεῷ, *ison heauton poiōn tō Theō*). This statement by Jesus, and the Jewish reaction to it, highlights the absolute nature of the claim to divine parity. Crucially, [[Philippians 2:6]] states that Christ Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God (*to ísos Theō*) a thing to be grasped." This verse is foundational for Christology, asserting Christ's pre-existent divine nature and His voluntary self-emptying, rather than a denial of His equality with God.
* In **the context of salvation and the Holy Spirit**, [[Acts 11:17]] uses ἴσος to describe God giving "the same gift" (*tēn isēn dōrean*) of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles as He gave to the Jewish believers, emphasizing the universal and undiscriminating nature of God's grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G2470 includes several related terms that help to further define its nuance:
* G3664 (ὁμοίος, *homoios*): While often translated "like" or "similar," ὁμοίος typically suggests resemblance or likeness in quality, but not necessarily exact equivalence or identity, which ἴσος often implies.
* G3895 (παραπλήσιος, *paraplēsios*): Meaning "nearly equal" or "resembling," this term highlights proximity to equality rather than absolute sameness.
* G435 (ἀνίσος, *anisos*): The direct antonym, meaning "unequal."
* The concept of **justice** (δίκαιος, *dikaios* `{{G1342}}`) is often intertwined with ἴσος, as true justice implies fair and equal treatment, though God's sovereignty can transcend human notions of strict equality in favor of grace.
* The **nature of Christ** is a primary theological concept illuminated by ἴσος, particularly in relation to His divine essence and His relationship with the Father.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2470 is profound, particularly in the realm of Christology:
* **The Deity of Christ:** The most critical theological usage of ἴσος affirms the full deity of Jesus Christ. In [[John 5:18]], Jesus' claim to be "equal with God" is not merely a metaphor but a direct assertion of shared divine nature and prerogatives, which the Jewish leaders correctly understood as a claim to deity, warranting the charge of blasphemy under their law.
* **The Kenosis of Christ:** [[Philippians 2:6]] presents ἴσος as central to understanding Christ's incarnation. He possessed "equality with God" as an inherent right and state, yet He "did not count it a thing to be grasped," meaning He did not cling to or exploit His divine status for His own advantage but willingly humbled Himself. This highlights the unparalleled condescension and love of God in the Incarnation.
* **Divine Justice and Grace:** While human understanding of justice often demands strict ἴσος (equal reward for equal work), the parable in [[Matthew 20:1-16]] demonstrates God's sovereign right to dispense grace, which may appear "unequal" by human standards, yet remains just from a divine perspective.
* **Unity and Universality of the Gospel:** The use of ἴσος in [[Acts 11:17]] underscores the non-discriminatory nature of God's salvation. The "same gift" of the Holy Spirit to both Jews and Gentiles demonstrates that in Christ, there is no partiality, and all believers are equally recipients of God's grace.
### Summary
The Greek word G2470 (ἴσος, *ísos*) denotes equality, similarity, or sameness, whether in quantity, quality, status, or agreement. Its usage in the New Testament spans a variety of contexts, from mundane measurements and legal testimonies to profound theological declarations. Most significantly, ἴσος serves as a cornerstone in articulating the full deity of Jesus Christ, affirming His inherent equality with God the Father, a status He willingly relinquished in His incarnation for the sake of humanity's salvation. It also illuminates principles of divine justice, the consistency of truth, and the universal accessibility of God's grace to all who believe, demonstrating that God's gift of salvation is ἴσος for all.
TRV