ὅστις (hostis, hētis)
hostis, hētis
who/which
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 139 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word hostis functions as a relative pronoun that adds emphasis or indefiniteness, often translated as "whoever," "anyone who," or simply "who." It appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, serving to highlight specific conditions or identities. In Matthew 5:39, for instance, it introduces the principle of non-retaliation by referring to "anyone who strikes you on the right cheek," framing the instruction as applicable to any person meeting that description.
Its usage generally falls into two categories: indefinite reference and qualitative definition. When used indefinitely, it opens general statements about people or things, such as in Luke 14:27 where Jesus speaks of "anyone" who does not bear their cross. In other contexts, like Matthew 7:26, it identifies a person by their essential qualities—describing the foolish man "who" builds his house on sand. This distinction allows the text to move from specific individuals to broader principles.
The word is formed from the simple relative pronoun hos combined with tis, meaning "some" or "any." This combination creates a sense of "whoever it may be," giving the term a more expansive force than the standard relative. Translators often render it as "whosoever" in older texts to capture this inclusive scope, ensuring the reader understands that the statement applies to all who fit the criteria, not just a single known individual.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read the Gospels, you might notice Jesus often uses a specific Greek word that translates to “whoever” or “anyone who.” This small addition changes the tone of his teaching from a rule for a few to an invitation for all. It removes barriers, ensuring that no one feels excluded from God’s grace or challenged by his commands.
In Matthew 5:39, this word introduces a radical call to non-retaliation. By saying “whoever strikes you,” Jesus does not limit the instruction to a specific enemy but applies it to any person who causes harm. This expansive language invites you to respond with grace in every interaction, regardless of who is involved.
This inclusive phrasing appears throughout the New Testament to highlight essential qualities rather than social status. Whether describing those who build their lives on solid ground or those who humble themselves like children, the word emphasizes that your identity in Christ is defined by your response to him, not by your background or past.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 139 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- who77×
- which37×
- whoever7×
- Whoever6×
- when3×
- those who2×
- that2×
- such as2×
- while1×
- which things1×
- which [is]1×
- whatever things1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἵτινες57×
- ἥτις38×
- ὅστις26×
- αἵτινες10×
- ὅτου5×
- ἅτινά4×
- οἵτινές3×
- ἅτινα2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
This occurrence expands the command to love enemies beyond specific individuals to include any person who causes harm.
-
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Here the word identifies the wise person by their action of hearing and doing Jesus' words, defining wisdom through obedience.
-
Matthew 10:32
Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.
The term broadens the promise of Christ’s confession to include anyone who publicly acknowledges him, regardless of their social standing.
-
Matthew 18:4
Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
This verse uses the word to link greatness in the Kingdom directly to the humility demonstrated by a child, setting a universal standard for all believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hos and hostis?
Why does Jesus use 'whoever' so often?
Does this word imply uncertainty about who the person is?
Every Occurrence (139 verses across 22 books)
Matthew 25 verses
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
Matthew 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Matthew 7:15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:24“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on…
Matthew 7:26Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Matthew 10:32Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 10:33But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 12:50For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Matthew 13:12For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken…
Matthew 13:52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…
Matthew 16:28Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…
Matthew 18:4Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 19:12For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by…
Matthew 19:29Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my…
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 21:33“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it,…
Matthew 21:41They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who…
Matthew 22:2“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son,
Matthew 23:12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but…
Matthew 25:1“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 27:55Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
Matthew 27:62Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered…