σχεδόν (schedon)
schedon
nearly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb schedon conveys the idea of being "nearly" or "almost" something, suggesting a state that is very close to completion but not quite there. It appears in only three New Testament verses, primarily in Acts and Hebrews. In these contexts, it serves as a precise modifier for degree or proximity, indicating that an event or condition was on the verge of happening.
This word often highlights the tension between what is expected and what actually occurs. For instance, in Acts 19:26, it describes how Paul’s preaching had nearly persuaded the entire crowd to turn away from their trade, emphasizing the intensity of the situation without confirming a total conversion. Similarly, Hebrews 9:22 uses it to state that almost everything is purified by blood, acknowledging the general rule while leaving room for specific exceptions like God Himself.
The term derives from a root related to holding or having, implying a closeness that is tangible and immediate. Translators typically render it as "nearly" or "almost," capturing its function as a qualifier that narrows the scope of a statement. Its limited usage in Scripture allows each instance to carry significant weight, drawing attention to the specific circumstances under which something falls just short of a complete reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word schedon reminds us that being close to a goal is not the same as reaching it. In Scripture, this term appears only three times, always marking a moment where things seemed certain but stopped just short. It captures the tension of anticipation, showing how God’s work often unfolds in ways that surprise our expectations.
When we read that Paul nearly turned all of Asia away from idolatry, or that almost everything required cleansing by blood, we see a pattern. The outward appearance suggests completion, yet something essential remains unfinished until Christ’s work is fully realized. This word invites us to look beyond surface-level progress and trust in God’s perfect timing.
For your faith, schedon offers comfort. It acknowledges that while we may see great movements or near-successes, only God brings things to their true end. We can rest knowing that what seems incomplete now is held securely in His hands, awaiting the fullness He alone provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- almost3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σχεδὸν3×
Key Verses
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Acts 13:44
The next Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.
This verse uses schedon to show how widespread the response to Paul’s message was, yet it stops short of saying everyone believed, highlighting the partial nature of human reaction.
-
Acts 19:26
You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods that are made with hands.
Here the word emphasizes the economic threat Paul posed by nearly converting all of Asia, illustrating how spiritual truth can disrupt worldly systems even without total success.
-
Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.
The author uses schedon to acknowledge the general rule of Old Testament purification while subtly pointing to exceptions that require Christ’s superior sacrifice.