Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἡμιθανής in the Old Testament. However, concepts of being near death or critically injured can be found in various Hebrew terms related to death or severe affliction, such as מָוֶת (māweṯ, Strong's Hebrew 4194) meaning "death," or חָלָה (ḥālāh, Strong's Hebrew 2470) meaning "to be sick" or "to be weak." These terms capture similar themes of vulnerability and the need for healing or rescue.

Usage: The term ἡμιθανής is used in the New Testament to describe a person who is severely wounded and on the brink of death. It appears in the context of a parable told by Jesus.

Context: The Greek term ἡμιθανής is found in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:30, Jesus describes a man who was attacked by robbers, stripped of his clothing, beaten, and left "half-dead" (ἡμιθανής) on the road. This vivid description emphasizes the severity of the man's condition, highlighting his desperate need for assistance and compassion.

The use of ἡμιθανής in this parable serves to illustrate the depth of the Samaritan's mercy and the call to love one's neighbor. The term underscores the critical state of the victim, making the Samaritan's actions all the more significant as he tends to the man's wounds and ensures his care. This narrative challenges the audience to consider the extent of their own compassion and willingness to help those in dire circumstances.

Theologically, the term ἡμιθανής can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual and moral destitution, where individuals are in need of divine intervention and grace. The parable, therefore, not only addresses physical acts of kindness but also points to the broader spiritual implications of loving and serving others.