### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV