adverb from the base of ὁμοῦ; at the same time, i.e. (conjunctionally) notwithstanding, yet still:--and even, nevertheless, though but.
Transliteration:hómōs
Pronunciation:hom'-oce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb hómōs (`{{G3676}}`) derives from the base of homou (`{{G3674}}`), meaning "together" or "at the same time." This etymological root provides insight into its semantic development. While its literal sense points to simultaneity, in its New Testament usage, hómōs functions primarily as a conjunctional adverb expressing concession or contrast. It conveys the idea of "nevertheless," "even so," "notwithstanding," or "though but." The word introduces a statement that stands true despite a preceding condition, circumstance, or expectation. It signals that what follows occurs "at the same time" as, or "in spite of," what has just been mentioned, thereby emphasizing the certainty or surprising nature of the subsequent clause. Its semantic range thus pivots from temporal concurrence to a strong adversative or concessive force, highlighting a reality that persists against apparent odds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hómōs appears sparingly in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are pivotal in their respective contexts, underscoring significant theological or practical points.
* **[[1 Corinthians 14:7]]**: "And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?" In this passage, Paul is arguing for clarity and intelligibility in spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy and tongues. Hómōs, translated as "even" or "nevertheless," introduces an analogy from musical instruments. It emphasizes that *even* inanimate objects producing sound must do so distinctly to be understood. This use highlights the universal principle of clarity, applying it to the realm of spiritual expression within the church. The point is that if something as basic as a musical instrument requires clear articulation, how much more so spiritual utterances meant to edify the body?
* **[[Galatians 3:15]]**: "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." Here, Paul employs hómōs to underscore the inviolability of a confirmed covenant, even a human one, as a lesser-to-greater argument for the unchangeable nature of God's covenant with Abraham. The phrase "though it be but" or "nevertheless" emphasizes that *even* a human agreement, once ratified, cannot be altered or set aside. This serves as a powerful rhetorical device to demonstrate the absolute certainty and binding nature of God's prior promise, which the Law, given 430 years later, could not nullify.
* **[[John 12:42]]**: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue." This verse presents a poignant and somewhat surprising truth. Despite the widespread unbelief and opposition from the Jewish leadership, and the preceding condemnation of their spiritual blindness, hómōs (translated "nevertheless") reveals that *even among* the chief rulers, there were those who believed in Jesus. This usage highlights a hidden reality that runs contrary to the general narrative of rejection. It also sets the stage for the subsequent explanation of their fear of confession, linking their faith to the societal cost of discipleship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hómōs shares semantic space with several other Greek words that convey concession or contrast, though each carries its own nuance:
* Allā (`{{G235}}`): Often translated "but" or "however," it serves as a strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast or exception. While hómōs emphasizes "even so" despite a condition, allā more directly presents an opposing idea.
* Kaiper (`{{G2539}}`): Meaning "although" or "though indeed," this particle explicitly introduces a concessive clause, acknowledging a fact that might seem to contradict the main statement.
* Plēn (`{{G4133}}`): Translated "nevertheless" or "however," plēn often introduces a reservation or an exception, functioning similarly to hómōs in some contexts, but sometimes with a stronger sense of "except for."
* Conceptually, hómōs relates to the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty and faithfulness, where God's purposes prevail *despite* human resistance, weakness, or contrary circumstances. It also touches upon the cost of discipleship, as seen in [[John 12:42]], where belief is present *nevertheless* confession is withheld due to fear.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hómōs lies in its capacity to underscore truths that stand firm against expectation or opposition.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Immutability**: In [[Galatians 3:15]], hómōs powerfully asserts the unchangeable nature of God's covenant and promises. It teaches that God's word, once given, is eternally binding, even more so than human agreements. This reinforces the theological bedrock of God's unwavering character and the reliability of His redemptive plan.
2. **God's Surprising Work**: In [[John 12:42]], hómōs reveals the surprising and often hidden work of God's Spirit. Even in the midst of pronounced unbelief and hostility, God is at work, drawing individuals to faith. This highlights the mysterious and sovereign nature of divine election and the power of the Gospel to penetrate hardened hearts, even if such faith remains unconfessed for a time due to human fear. It reminds us that God's kingdom expands in ways often unseen or unexpected by human eyes.
3. **Divine Order and Intelligibility**: In [[1 Corinthians 14:7]], hómōs contributes to the theological principle that divine communication and spiritual gifts are meant to be orderly, clear, and edifying. God is not a God of confusion, and *even* in the realm of the spiritual, there is a divine expectation for clarity and purpose, mirroring the intelligibility found in the natural world.
Thus, hómōs often points to a reality that transcends human limitations, opposition, or expectations, affirming God's enduring purpose and activity.
### Summary
Hómōs (`{{G3676}}`) is a Greek adverb primarily functioning as a strong concessive or adversative conjunction, meaning "nevertheless," "even so," or "notwithstanding." Derived from a word indicating simultaneity, its usage in the New Testament pivots to emphasize a truth that holds true despite a preceding condition or contrary expectation. Its occurrences in [[1 Corinthians 14:7]], [[Galatians 3:15]], and [[John 12:42]] demonstrate its capacity to highlight the necessity of clarity in spiritual expression, the immutability of God's covenant, and the surprising, often hidden, work of God's grace even among those who outwardly oppose Him. Theologically, hómōs underscores divine faithfulness, the surprising ways God's will unfolds, and the enduring power of His purposes in the face of human circumstances.
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