ὅμως (homōs)
homōs
just as
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb homōs translates simply as "yet" or "nevertheless." It functions as a pivot in sentences, signaling that a statement follows despite what was just said. With only three occurrences in the New Testament, it appears in John 12:42, 1 Corinthians 14:7, and Galatians 3:15. In each case, it bridges a contrast without adding emotional weight or complex theological nuance.
Its etymology links it to the idea of sameness or unity, yet its usage is purely logical. It does not mean "however" in a conversational sense, nor does it imply a dramatic reversal. Instead, it marks a factual concession. For example, in John 12:42, it notes that many leaders believed in Jesus, yet they did not confess it publicly. The word simply connects two facts that coexist.
Translators often render homōs as "yet" or "nevertheless." In 1 Corinthians 14:7, Paul uses it to explain that musical instruments must produce distinct sounds so the listener understands the tune. Here, homōs introduces a necessary condition for clarity. It is a small word with a clear job: to keep the logic straight when two ideas stand side by side.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word homōs appears only three times in the New Testament, and each time it serves a simple but vital function. It acts as a bridge between two facts that might seem to contradict each other. In John 12:42, for instance, it connects the belief of many rulers with their fear of being expelled from the synagogue. The word does not judge them; it merely states that both realities existed at the same time.
This clarity is helpful when we face complex situations in our own lives. We often hold two truths together: perhaps we are struggling, yet we still have hope. Or we may feel weak, yet we know God’s strength is present. Homōs reminds us that we do not need to resolve every tension immediately. We can acknowledge one reality without denying another.
Paul uses this same logical connector in Galatians 3:15 and 1 Corinthians 14:7 to ensure his readers follow his argument clearly. He wants them to see how different pieces fit together. When we read Scripture with patience, we find that God often speaks in ways that require us to hold multiple truths in balance. This can bring peace when our minds feel crowded with questions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Even2×
- Nevertheless1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὅμως3×
Key Verses
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John 12:42
Nevertheless, even many of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue,
This verse uses homōs to acknowledge the coexistence of secret belief and public fear among the rulers, showing how the word bridges two simultaneous realities without judgment.
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Galatians 3:15
Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void or adds to it.
Here Paul employs homōs to introduce a logical concession about human covenants, ensuring his audience understands that even earthly examples follow consistent rules before he applies them to God's promise.
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I Corinthians 14:7
Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?
Paul uses this term to highlight the necessary condition for clarity in music, illustrating how distinct sounds must be present for a melody to be recognized.