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G2255 · Greek · New Testament
ἥμισυ
hēmisu
Adjective / Noun, Neuter
Half / a half portion

Definition

The Greek adjective/noun hēmisu (ἥμισυ) means half, a half, one-half. It appears five times in the NT (Mark 6:23; Luke 19:8; Rev 11:9, 11; 12:14). The English prefix 'hemi-' (as in hemisphere) derives from this root.

Usage & Theological Significance

Herod's extravagant promise — 'Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you... up to hēmisu of my kingdom' (Mark 6:23) — echoes the Persian king's offer to Esther (Esth 5:3) and represents the reckless generosity of a ruler intoxicated by spectacle. In stark contrast, Zacchaeus' declaration — 'Behold, Lord, the hēmisu of my goods I give to the poor' (Luke 19:8) — represents genuine, sober generosity born of repentance. In Revelation, the 'three and a hēmisu days' (Rev 11:9, 11) that the two witnesses lie dead in the street echo Daniel's 'time, times, and half a time' (Dan 7:25; 12:7), representing a period of tribulation that God sovereignly limits.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 6:23 And he vowed to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.'
Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.'
Revelation 11:11 But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.

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