ὅπως (hopōs)
hopōs
that
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 52 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek conjunction hopōs primarily introduces a clause of purpose, meaning "in order that" or "so that." It signals that an action is taken with a specific goal in mind. In the Gospels, this word often highlights the intention behind Jesus’ miracles or teachings, such as when He heals so that prophecy might be fulfilled (Matthew 8:17) or prays for workers to enter the harvest (Matthew 9:38). The sources note it appears frequently in Matthew and Acts, linking human action to divine design.
Its meaning extends beyond simple purpose to include result or manner. In Luke 24:20, it translates "how" in a descriptive sense, showing the way events unfolded. It also follows verbs of asking or exhorting, such as when Paul urges believers to pray (1 Corinthians 1:29). The sources indicate that while it usually takes the subjunctive mood to express purpose, it can occasionally appear with the indicative to state a fact.
The word combines the sense of manner with intention. It does not merely describe what happens but points toward why it happens. This dual force allows translators to render it variously as "that," "so that," or "how," depending on whether the context emphasizes the goal or the method. Its consistent use in Scripture underscores the belief that actions are directed toward meaningful ends.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read this word in Scripture, it often signals a purpose behind an action. It connects what we do with why we do it. For instance, Jesus teaches that our good works should shine not for our own praise, but so others might see God’s goodness (Matthew 5:16). This shifts the focus from self-promotion to pointing toward the Father.
It also appears in prayers where we ask for specific outcomes. In Matthew 9:38, Jesus urges us to pray that the Lord sends workers into the harvest. Here, the word links our petition with God’s active role in gathering people. It reminds us that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.
Even in moments of conflict or uncertainty, this conjunction shows that events unfold with intention. Whether it is about fulfilling prophecy or revealing the thoughts of hearts (Luke 2:35), Scripture assures us that nothing is random. Your faith journey is held within these meaningful purposes, guiding you toward hope and clarity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 52 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- so that38×
- that11×
- how3×
- That1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὅπως53×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This verse uses the word to define the ultimate goal of visible good works: directing human attention to God's glory rather than personal achievement.
-
Matthew 9:38
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Here it introduces a specific petition for divine intervention, linking the believer's prayer directly to God's action in sending laborers.
-
Luke 2:35
Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The word explains the purpose of suffering in Simeon's prophecy, showing that hidden heart attitudes will be revealed through trial.
-
Matthew 6:4
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
It contrasts secret acts of mercy with public display, highlighting that God’s reward is the intended outcome for private faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hopōs mean in the New Testament?
How is this word different from other Greek conjunctions?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (52 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 17 verses
He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 2:23and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he…
Matthew 5:16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and…
Matthew 6:2Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…
Matthew 6:4so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:5“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 6:16“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…
Matthew 6:18so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in…
Matthew 8:17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities and bore our…
Matthew 8:34Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 9:38Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 12:14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 22:15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
Matthew 23:35that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of…
Matthew 26:59Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him…