ἴσως (isōs)
isōs
perhaps
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb isōs translates to "perhaps" or "it may be," conveying a sense of probability rather than certainty. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 20:13, where the owner of the vineyard reflects that sending his beloved son might finally compel the tenants to respect him.
This single usage carries significant weight. The owner’s hope is grounded in expectation—"agreeably to expectation"—suggesting that while the outcome is not guaranteed, it is highly likely given the circumstances. The word captures a moment of calculated risk, where logic points toward a positive result even if the future remains open.
Its root connects to the idea of equality or likeness, implying that the situation stands on equal footing with what might be expected. Translators render it as "perhaps" to preserve this tentative yet reasoned tone, distinguishing it from mere guesswork. It reflects a human assessment of likelihood within a narrative where divine purposes intersect with human strategy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἴσως (isōs) appears just once in the New Testament, found in Luke 20:13. It translates to "perhaps" or "it may be," carrying a sense of probability rather than absolute certainty. In this parable, the owner of the vineyard reasons that sending his beloved son might finally compel the tenants to respect him. The term reflects a calculated hope—a human assessment of likelihood within a narrative where divine purposes intersect with human strategy.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God often works through human reasoning and relational dynamics. While we cannot always predict outcomes, we can trust that our actions are part of a larger story. The owner’s decision was grounded in expectation, suggesting that while the future remains open, there is a reasoned basis for hope. This encourages us to act with faith, even when results are not guaranteed.
Ultimately, ἴσως invites us to embrace uncertainty with trust. It acknowledges that we do not have full control, yet we can move forward with confidence in God’s sovereignty. Whether in personal decisions or broader life circumstances, this word assures us that our steps are seen and valued by the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perhaps1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἴσως1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 20:13
The lord of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.’
This occurrence matters because it captures the owner's calculated hope that his beloved son might finally compel the tenants to respect him, highlighting the intersection of human strategy and divine purpose.