ἥμισυς (hēmisus)
hēmisus
half
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word hēmisus simply means "half," referring to a division of something into two equal parts. In the New Testament, it appears as an adjective modifying nouns or as a neuter noun standing alone for "a half." Its usage is straightforward, marking precise portions rather than vague approximations.
This term surfaces in five verses, notably in Mark and Luke where characters make extreme offers or endure specific durations. For instance, Herod promises to give Herodias’s daughter whatever she asks, even “half of my kingdom” (Mark 6:23), highlighting the absurdity of the request through its sheer scale. Similarly, Revelation uses it to describe time periods, such as three and a half days (Revelation 11:9), anchoring symbolic events in concrete temporal measures.
The etymology links to the idea of partition or separation, sharing roots with words implying a split. While common in classical Greek, its New Testament presence is limited but distinct. Translators consistently render it as "half," preserving the literal sense without adding metaphorical weight. The word serves as a numerical marker, dividing actions, objects, or time into two equal segments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἥμισυς (hēmisus) simply means 'half.' It marks a clear division into two equal parts. In Scripture, this precision helps us understand specific actions and timelines. For example, Herod’s rash promise to give half his kingdom shows how empty words can be when made in pride or pressure. We see the opposite in Zacchaeus, who gave half his goods to the poor as a sign of genuine repentance.
This term also appears in Revelation to describe time periods like 'three and a half days.' These measures anchor symbolic events in concrete reality, reminding us that God’s timing is exact. Whether dealing with material wealth or spiritual endurance, the concept of 'half' invites reflection on balance, integrity, and trust in God’s complete provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- half3×
- a half,1×
- a half1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἥμισυ2×
- ἥμισυ,1×
- ἡμίσους1×
- ἡμίσιά1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:23
He swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”
Herod’s promise to give half his kingdom highlights the absurdity of rash vows made under pressure.
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Luke 19:8
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.”
Zacchaeus offers half his goods to the poor, demonstrating tangible repentance and justice.
-
Revelation of John 11:9
From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations, people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.
The 'three and a half days' period emphasizes the brevity and intensity of the witnesses’ suffering.
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Revelation of John 12:14
Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
The phrase 'a time, times, and half a time' marks a specific duration of divine protection for the woman.