ὧδε (hōde)
hōde
here
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 60 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb hōde points to a specific location, meaning "here" or "hither." In the Gospels, it frequently marks the immediate presence of Jesus or his followers, as when Peter suggests building shelters for the divine figures in Matthew 17:4, or when the woman with the issue of blood is told her faith has saved her "here" in Mark 5:34. It grounds the narrative in a tangible, shared space.
Its meaning shifts slightly to indicate direction, translating as "hither," which conveys movement toward that central point. This usage appears when people are summoned to Jesus’ side, such as the disciples being called to bring fish in Luke 5:7. The word also functions metaphorically to describe circumstances or states of being, allowing writers to discuss present conditions rather than just physical spots.
The sources note that hōde often stands in contrast to ekei ("there"), creating a spatial and theological distinction between the current reality and a distant or future one. This dichotomy helps readers navigate the text’s geography, distinguishing between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the heavenly realm or other locations referenced in prophecy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ὧδε grounds us in the immediate reality of God’s presence. In the Gospels, it often marks a tangible moment where heaven touches earth, such as when Jesus declares that someone greater than Solomon is here. This reminds us that faith is not just about distant promises but about encountering the divine in our current circumstances.
When we feel overwhelmed by scarcity or confusion, this word invites us to look at what is right in front of us. It shifts our focus from anxiety about the future to trust in the present provider. Whether in a crowded city or a deserted place, the narrative suggests that God’s power meets us exactly where we are.
This spatial language also highlights the contrast between the earthly ministry of Jesus and the heavenly realm. It encourages believers to recognize that spiritual realities are not far away but accessible now. By anchoring our attention in the here and now, we find a steady foundation for hope and daily obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 60 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- here38×
- here.11×
- here,3×
- Here3×
- here [is]2×
- here;1×
- here!1×
- here [are]1×
- [is] here.1×
- In this case1×
- Here,1×
- Here [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὧδε41×
- ὧδε.¶6×
- ὧδε.6×
- ὧδε,5×
- Ὧδε3×
- ὧδε·2×
- ὧδέ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:6
But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
Jesus uses this word to assert his divine identity as someone greater than the temple, marking a pivotal theological claim about his presence.
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Matthew 28:6
He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
The angel uses this word to confirm that Jesus is no longer in the tomb, marking the central event of the resurrection.
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Matthew 17:4
Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter’s desire to stay here reflects a human longing to prolong a moment of divine revelation and spiritual clarity.
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Mark 8:4
His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?”
The disciples use this word to highlight their practical concern about resources in a deserted place, showing the tension between need and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ὧde mean?
How is hōde different from ekei?
Why does this word appear so often in the Gospels?
Does hōde have a metaphorical meaning?
Every Occurrence (60 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 16 verses
Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 12:6But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 14:8She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”
Matthew 14:17They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”
Matthew 14:18He said, “Bring them here to me.”
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 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 17:17Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…
Matthew 20:6About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day…
Matthew 22:12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.
Matthew 24:2But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…
Matthew 24:23“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it.
Matthew 26:38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.