ὁμοῦ (homou)
homou
together
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb homou simply means "together," but its usage in the New Testament reveals two distinct flavors of togetherness. In most cases, it describes physical proximity, marking people who are gathered in the same place at the same time. This concrete sense appears when the disciples find Jesus by the sea in John 21:2, or when the believers are united in one place in Acts 2:1.
However, the word also carries a more abstract meaning of simultaneity without necessarily implying shared location. In John 4:36 and 20:4, it highlights events happening at the same moment rather than just people standing side by side. This shift from physical space to temporal coincidence shows how the term can bridge the gap between being with someone and happening alongside them.
Etymologically, homou derives from homos, meaning "the same," which grounds its sense of unity in shared identity or circumstance. Translators typically render it as "together" or "at the same time," depending on whether the context emphasizes location or timing. This simple word captures the essence of Christian community, whether defined by physical gathering or shared spiritual experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word homou describes a simple but profound reality: being together. In the New Testament, it often marks moments where people share physical space, like the disciples gathering by the sea or the early church meeting in one place. These scenes remind us that faith is not lived in isolation. We are designed for community, finding strength and encouragement when we stand side by side with others who share our beliefs.
Yet homou also points to a deeper unity that transcends location. It can describe events happening simultaneously, linking people across distances through shared purpose or timing. This suggests that our connection in Christ is not limited by geography. Whether we are in the same room or miles apart, we participate in the same spiritual life, rejoicing together and running toward the same hope.
This word invites us to value both physical presence and spiritual solidarity. It encourages us to seek out fellow believers for support while remembering that our bond in Jesus remains unbroken even when we are apart. In a world that often feels fragmented, homou offers a quiet assurance: we are never truly alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- together3×
- together;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁμοῦ3×
- ὁμοῦ·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:1
Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.
This verse uses homou to emphasize the tangible unity of believers gathered in one location at Pentecost, marking the birth of the church.
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John 21:2
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.
Here homou highlights the physical gathering of disciples by the sea, showing how Jesus meets them in their shared daily life.
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John 4:36
He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.
The word connects the sower and reaper in simultaneous joy, illustrating spiritual partnership that transcends individual effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does homou mean in the New Testament?
How is homou different from other words for unity?
Where does homou appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
John 3 verses
He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice…
John 20:4They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
John 21:2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his…