The Greek word schedón, represented by G4975, is an adverb that means nigh or nearly. It is consistently translated as almost. Though it appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, its usage is significant for conveying the scale of events and establishing near-universal principles in the New Testament.
In the book of Acts, G4975 is used to describe the immense impact of the gospel's spread. On one occasion, almost the whole city G4172 came together to hear G191 the word of God Acts 13:44. In another instance, it is noted that not just in Ephesus G2181 but almost throughout all Asia G773, Paul G3972 had persuaded and turned away a great number of people from idol worship Acts 19:26. In Hebrews, the word is used to frame a crucial theological point, stating that almost all things are purged by blood G129 according to the law G3551 Hebrews 9:22.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G4975 is used:
- G129 haîma (blood): This term for blood is central to the statement in Hebrews 9:22, where almost all things are said to be purged by it.
- G130 haimatekchysía (shedding of blood): Used in direct connection with G4975, this word emphasizes that without the shedding of blood, there is no G3756 remission G859 Hebrews 9:22.
- G3956 pâs (all, any, every, the whole): This word appears with almost in two of its three occurrences, underscoring the near-totality of the group being described, such as "almost the whole city" Acts 13:44 and "almost throughout all Asia" Acts 19:26.
- G4172 pólis (city): This word for city is used to show the scale of the gathering to hear the gospel, which included almost the entire population Acts 13:44.
The theological significance of G4975 is found in its function as a qualifier that amplifies the statement it modifies.
- Emphasizing Gospel Impact: By describing gatherings as "almost the whole city" Acts 13:44 or Paul's influence as covering "almost all Asia" Acts 19:26, the word highlights the powerful and widespread effect of the apostles' ministry.
- Framing a Legal Principle: In Hebrews 9:22, stating that "almost all things" are purged by blood under the law sets the stage for an absolute truth. It establishes a nearly universal rule to introduce the unwavering principle that remission G859 is impossible without G5565 the shedding of blood G130.
- Conveying Near-Universality: The term effectively communicates a scope that is just short of absolute, whether describing a crowd, a region, or a legal ordinance. This rhetorical device gives weight to the vastness of the subject.
In summary, G4975 is a precise adverb that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant weight. As almost, it is used to magnify the scale of the gospel's reach in the early church and to establish the near-universal application of the Mosaic law's requirement for blood purification. It demonstrates how a single word can frame a concept to emphasize its vast scope and theological importance.
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