adverb from ἴσος; likely, i.e. perhaps:--it may be.
Transliteration:ísōs
Pronunciation:ee'-soce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ísōs (ἴσως, `{{G2481}}`) is derived from the adjective ísos (ἴσος, `{{G2470}}`), meaning "equal" or "like." Consequently, ísōs fundamentally conveys a sense of "equally likely" or "in an equal manner," which translates into the meaning of "perhaps," "possibly," or "it may be." It denotes a degree of probability or conjecture on the part of the speaker, rather than absolute certainty. While suggesting a strong possibility, it falls short of a definite affirmation, indicating that the outcome is not guaranteed but is a plausible consideration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ísōs (ἴσως, `{{G2481}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant for theological reflection.
* **[[Luke 20:13]]**: "Then said the lord of the vineyard, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.'"
* **Context**: This verse is part of the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, recounted by Jesus. The owner of the vineyard, having sent servants who were repeatedly abused and killed by the tenants, decides on a final, desperate measure: sending his "beloved son." The phrase "it may be they will reverence him" (ἴσως ἐντραπήσονται αὐτόν) expresses the owner's hope or calculated risk.
* **Analysis**: In this parable, the vineyard owner represents God, the vineyard represents Israel, the tenants represent the religious leaders, and the beloved son represents Jesus Christ. The owner's utterance of "ísōs" does not imply divine uncertainty or a lack of foreknowledge on God's part. Rather, it powerfully underscores the genuine freedom of human will and the depth of human rebellion. Even the ultimate act of divine grace—sending the Son—is presented as an act undertaken with the awareness that it might be rejected. This "perhaps" highlights the profound wickedness of the tenants, suggesting that even the most compelling appeal might not guarantee their repentance or reverence. It sets the stage for the tragic climax of the parable: the rejection and murder of the son.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ísos (ἴσος, `{{G2470}}`):** The root word, meaning "equal," "like," or "the same." Understanding this root helps to grasp ísōs as implying "equally likely" or "in an equal manner" concerning possibility.
* **Words of Probability/Uncertainty:** ísōs falls into a category of Greek words that express possibility or conjecture, distinct from absolute certainty. Other related concepts might include tacha (τάχα, `{{G5029}}`), which can also mean "perhaps" but often carries a connotation of speed or suddenness, or various uses of the particle ei (εἰ, `{{G1487}}`) with verbs in the optative mood to express potentiality. ísōs specifically emphasizes a strong likelihood, even if not a certainty.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom:** The use of ísōs in a parable spoken by Jesus, depicting God's actions, implicitly touches upon the profound theological tension between God's sovereign plan and human free will. While God's ultimate purposes are never thwarted, His interaction with humanity often respects the reality of human choice, even when that choice leads to rebellion.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ísōs in [[Luke 20:13]] carries immense theological weight. It is not an expression of divine ignorance or doubt, but rather a profound articulation of God's patient and long-suffering love in the face of human intransigence.
1. **God's Patient Overtures:** The "it may be" reflects God's persistent and hopeful outreach to humanity, even when the historical trajectory indicates rejection. It underscores the divine longsuffering, extending grace and opportunities for repentance even to those who have repeatedly spurned His messengers.
2. **The Reality of Human Rebellion:** The phrase highlights the depth of human sin and the radical nature of human freedom. God's sending of His Son was not an act with a guaranteed outcome of acceptance from the human side, but a genuine act of love in the face of anticipated rejection. The "perhaps" accentuates the scandal of human sin, which would lead to the murder of the "beloved son" despite the immense privilege of being entrusted with God's vineyard.
3. **The Cost of Redemption:** The parable, culminating in the son's murder, foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus. The "it may be" underscores the immense cost of redemption, where God's ultimate act of love—sending His Son—was met with the ultimate act of human rejection. Yet, even this rejection was providentially woven into God's larger plan for salvation.
Thus, ísōs serves to magnify the profound patience and unwavering love of God, who continues to extend grace even when the likelihood of acceptance seems slim, and the ultimate outcome (the Son's crucifixion) is known and utilized within His overarching redemptive purpose.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ísōs (ἴσως, `{{G2481}}`), derived from ísos (ἴσος, `{{G2470}}`), means "perhaps" or "it may be," indicating probability. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 20:13]], within the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, is profoundly significant. Spoken by the vineyard owner (representing God), the phrase "it may be they will reverence him" does not signify divine uncertainty but rather underscores God's persistent love and patience in sending His beloved Son, Jesus, despite the genuine human freedom to reject Him. This use of ísōs illuminates the depth of human rebellion and the immense, unwavering love of God, who offers His ultimate provision even in the face of anticipated rejection, affirming the reality of human choice within the framework of divine sovereignty and redemptive purpose.
TRV