### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ὡσεί** (hōseí), represented by `{{G5616}}`, is a particle of comparison meaning **as if**, **like**, or **about**. It appears **34 times** in **34 unique verses** throughout the biblical text. Its primary function is to create similes that compare one thing to another or to provide an approximation of a number, time, or distance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5616}}` is frequently used to describe divine manifestations in tangible terms. At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is described as descending "in a bodily shape **like** a dove" ([[Luke 3:22]]; [[Matthew 3:16]]; [[John 1:32]]). During Jesus' agony in the garden, his sweat "was **as it were** great drops of blood" [[Luke 22:44]]. The word also serves to estimate quantities and times, such as when Jesus fed "about five thousand men" ([[John 6:10]]; [[Matthew 14:21]]) or during the crucifixion when there was darkness over the earth from "about the sixth hour" [[Luke 23:44]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to build on the concept of comparison and appearance:
* `{{G5613}}` **hōs** (as, like): As a root word for `{{G5616}}`, it is often used for direct comparisons, such as hair being "as white **as** snow" [[Revelation 1:14]] or a countenance that was "**like** lightning" [[Matthew 28:3]].
* `{{G2531}}` **kathṓs** (just as, according as): This word creates a comparison to emphasize fulfillment or correspondence, as in the description of Abraham's descendants being "**so many as** the stars of the sky" [[Hebrews 11:12]].
* `{{G1491}}` **eîdos** (shape, appearance): This term is used in conjunction with `{{G5616}}` to describe a physical form, notably when the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily "**shape** like a dove" [[Luke 3:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5616}}` lies in its ability to make the supernatural comprehensible.
* **Divine Manifestations:** The word is crucial for describing spiritual events, such as the tongues "**like as** of fire" at Pentecost [[Acts 2:3]] or the face of Stephen which was "**as it had been** the face of an angel" [[Acts 6:15]].
* **Christ's Passion and Glory:** It powerfully conveys the intensity of Jesus' suffering, where his sweat was "**as it were** great drops of blood" [[Luke 22:44]]. In Revelation, his glorified appearance is described with hairs "**like** wool" [[Revelation 1:14]].
* **Human Condition:** It illustrates spiritual need, as with the multitudes who were "**as** sheep having no shepherd" [[Matthew 9:36]]. It also depicts overwhelming awe and fear, as when the keepers at the tomb "became **as** dead men" [[Matthew 28:4]].
* **Covenant Fulfillment:** `{{G5616}}` is used to describe the innumerable nature of God's promised people, who are "**as** the sand which is by the sea shore" [[Hebrews 11:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5616}}` is a versatile particle that serves a vital descriptive role in Scripture. It functions to create vivid similes that explain divine and supernatural events in familiar terms, while also providing practical approximations for numbers, times, and distances. By connecting the abstract to the concrete, **ὡσεί** adds a layer of tangible reality to some of the most profound moments in the biblical record.
TRV