Dictionaries :: Equal, Equality

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Equal, Equality:

"the same in size, number, quality," etc., is translated "equal" in Jhn 5:18; Phl 2:6; in the latter the word is in the neuter plural, lit., "equalities;" "in the RV the words are translated 'on an equality with God,' instead of 'equal with God,' as in the AV. The change is of great importance to the right interpretation of the whole passage. The rendering 'equal with God,' is evidently derived from the Latin Version.... It was apparently due at first to the fact that the Latin language had no adequate mode of representing the exact form and meaning of the Greek. The neuter plural denotes the various modes or states in which it was possible for the nature of Deity to exist and manifest itself as Divine." * [* Gifford, The Incarnation, p. 20.]

Note: Cp. isotimos, "equally precious," 2Pe 1:1; isopsuchos, "of equal soul, like-minded," Phl 2:20; also Eng. words beginning with the prefix iso--.

Equal, Equality:

"equality" (akin to A.), is translated "equality" in 2Cr 8:14, twice; in Col 4:1, with the article, "that which is... equal," (lit., "the equality," as marg), i.e., equity, fairness, what is equitable. In the Sept., Job 36:29; Zec 4:7.

Equal, Equality:

denotes "one of the same age, an equal in age" (sun, "with," helikia, "an age"), "a contemporary," Gal 1:14, RV, "of mine own age," for AV "mine equals," the reference being to the Apostle's good standing among his fellow students in the rabbinical schools; cp. Act 22:3.