Hosei marks an approximate number, time, age, or distance, and also introduces comparisons in Scripture.

The attested uses chiefly mark estimates of numbers, times, age, and distance; they also introduce comparisons between what is described and a stated likeness. The supplied morphology separates these clusters as adverbial uses for approximation and conjunctional uses for comparison.

1. Approximate measure or amount · dominant

   With the form tagged Adverb, the term accompanies estimates: in Acts 19:7 the APB renders a total of men, and in Acts 2:41 it renders the number added that day. It also occurs with a distance in Luke 22:41, an elapsed hour in Luke 22:59, and an age in Luke 3:23.

   Acts 19:7Acts 2:41Luke 22:41Luke 22:59Luke 3:23Matthew 14:21
2. Introducing a stated comparison · common

   With the form tagged Conjunction, the term introduces likenesses in descriptions. In Acts 2:3 the APB renders tongues in relation to fire; in Matthew 3:16 it renders the Spirit's descent in relation to a dove; and in Matthew 9:36 it renders the crowds in relation to sheep without a shepherd.

   Acts 2:3Acts 6:15Luke 22:44Mark 9:26Matthew 3:16Matthew 9:36

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the adverbial occurrences, the APB commonly uses “about” for estimates; across conjunctional occurrences it uses comparison wording such as “like” and “as of.” Because the APB is a whole-verse translation text, these renderings show the clauses' presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent.