### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb σχεδόν (G4975), transliterated as *schedón*, derives from a presumed form related to ἔχω (echō), meaning "to have" or "to hold." Its core meaning denotes proximity or approximation, functioning adverbially to signify "nigh," "nearly," or "almost." It describes a state, action, or quantity that is very close to a complete or absolute measure, yet falls just short of it. The word does not imply failure or inadequacy in a negative sense, but rather a high degree of prevalence or closeness to a given condition. It expresses a strong tendency or a near-total fulfillment, highlighting the extensive nature of something without claiming absolute universality or perfection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σχεδόν (G4975) appears sparingly in the New Testament, occurring only three times, each instance providing significant contextual nuance:
1. **[[Acts 13:44]]**: "The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of God." Here, *schedón* emphasizes the extraordinary turnout for Paul's preaching in Pisidian Antioch. It conveys that an overwhelming majority of the city's inhabitants assembled, underscoring the powerful and widespread initial reception of the gospel message. The use of "almost" suggests a near-total response, highlighting the immense impact of the apostolic ministry.
2. **[[Acts 19:26]]**: Paul's opponents in Ephesus complain that he "has persuaded and turned away a great many people, not only at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia." In this context, *schedón* again highlights the extensive reach of the gospel. It describes Paul's evangelistic success as having permeated a vast geographical area, affecting a significant portion of the population across the Roman province of Asia. This demonstrates the rapid and pervasive spread of Christianity beyond local boundaries.
3. **[[Hebrews 9:22]]**: "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." This is perhaps the most theologically weighty occurrence. The author of Hebrews uses *schedón* to summarize the pervasive principle of purification within the Old Covenant sacrificial system. While acknowledging that there might have been rare exceptions or alternative means of purification in certain specific cases (e.g., purification with water or ashes for specific defilements), the statement powerfully asserts that blood was the overwhelmingly predominant and essential medium for cleansing and atonement. The "almost" here serves not to diminish the principle but to underscore its near-absolute prevalence, setting the stage for the argument that Christ's blood offers a superior, perfect, and absolute purification, in contrast to the "almost" of the Old Covenant system.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an adverb of proximity, σχεδόν (G4975) shares conceptual space with other terms indicating nearness or approximation, though it is distinct in its specific usage.
* It is semantically related to the concept of nearness, often expressed by words like ἐγγύς (`{{G1451}}`, "near, at hand") or πλησίον (`{{G4139}}`, "near, neighbor"). However, *schedón* specifically describes a quantitative or qualitative approximation ("almost"), rather than merely spatial or temporal proximity.
* The underlying root connection to ἔχω (`{{G2192}}`, "to have, hold") suggests a "holding near" or "being close to," reinforcing its meaning of proximity.
* Conceptually, it stands in contrast to words denoting absolute totality (e.g., πᾶς, `{{G3956}}`, "all, every") or complete fulfillment. While it implies a high degree of something, it subtly leaves room for slight deviation from absolute perfection or universality. This nuance is particularly critical in [[Hebrews 9:22]], where the "almost" of the Old Covenant purification contrasts with the absolute efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σχεδόν (G4975) lies in its ability to convey the extensive and pervasive nature of divine activity and human response, while maintaining precision regarding absolute totality.
In the book of Acts, *schedón* highlights the remarkable spread and impact of the gospel. It underscores God's powerful work in drawing vast numbers of people to the message of salvation, demonstrating the widespread effectiveness of the early Christian mission. This "almost" speaks to the reality of God's drawing power being extensive and impactful, even if not every single individual responded perfectly or immediately. It acknowledges the scope of God's grace without overstating human response as universally perfect or immediate.
In Hebrews, the use of *schedón* is profoundly significant. By stating that "almost everything is purified with blood" under the Old Covenant, the author sets up a crucial theological distinction. It acknowledges the foundational role of blood in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its pervasive application. Yet, the presence of "almost" subtly prepares the reader for the superior and absolute purification brought by Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Covenant sacrifices, which were repeated and only "almost" perfectly cleansed, Christ's singular offering provides a *complete* and *absolute* purification, leaving no room for "almost." Thus, *schedón* in Hebrews points to the limitations of the former covenant, thereby magnifying the perfect and final efficacy of the new covenant established through Christ's blood.
### Summary
The Greek adverb σχεδόν (G4975) means "almost," "nearly," or "nigh," denoting a high degree of proximity or approximation without reaching absolute totality. Its three New Testament occurrences offer key insights: in Acts, it powerfully conveys the widespread and extensive impact of the gospel message, indicating a near-universal reception in certain contexts ([[Acts 13:44]], [[Acts 19:26]]). In Hebrews, its use in [[Hebrews 9:22]] is particularly profound, highlighting the pervasive principle of blood purification in the Old Covenant while subtly foreshadowing the *perfect* and *absolute* cleansing achieved solely through the blood of Christ, contrasting with the "almost" of the Mosaic system. Thus, σχεδόν serves to accurately describe the scope of divine work and human response, emphasizing prevalence and proximity while maintaining theological precision regarding ultimate completion and perfection found in Christ.
TRV