Lexical Summary eikón: Image, likeness, representation Original Word: εἰκών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance image. From eiko; a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance -- image. see GREEK eiko HELPS Word-studies 1504 eikṓn (from 1503 /eíkō, "be like") – properly, "mirror-like representation," referring to what is very close in resemblance (like a "high-definition" projection, as defined by the context). Image (1504 /eikṓn) then exactly reflects its source (what it directly corresponds to). For example, Christ is the very image (1504 /eikṓn, supreme expression) of the Godhead (see 2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15). "1504 (eikṓn) assumes a prototype, of which it not merely resembles, but from which it is drawn" (R. Trench). 1504 (eikṓn) then is more than a "shadow"; rather it is a replication (F. F. Bruce, Hebrews, 226; see also Lightfoot at Col 3:10 and 2:21). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eikó Definition an image, i.e. lit. statue, fig. representation NASB Translation form (1), image (19), likeness (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1504: εἰκώνεἰκών, εἰκόνος (accusative ἐικοναν, Revelation 13:14 Lachmann; see ἄρσην, ἡ (ἘΙΚΩ which see); (from Aeschylus and Herodotus down); the Sept. mostly for צֶלֶם; an image, figure, likeness; a. Matthew 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24; Romans 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 14:9, 11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:4; ἡ εἰκών τῶν πραγμάτων, the image of the things (namely, the heavenly things), in Hebrews 10:1, is opposed to ἡ σκιά, just as in Cicero, de off. 3, 17solida et expressa effigies is opposed toumbra; εἰκών τοῦ Θεοῦ is used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God, Colossians 3:10; εἰκών τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 3:21), but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses: Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18. b. metonymically, εἰκών τίνος, the image of one; one in whom the likeness of anyone is seen: εἰκών Θεοῦ is applied to man, on account of his power of command (see δόξα, III. 3 a. α.), 1 Corinthians 11:7; to Christ, on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence, Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; (cf. Lightfoot and Meyer on Colossians, the passage cited). Across twenty-three New Testament occurrences, εἰκών describes a visible representation that points beyond itself. Context determines whether the image is commendable (reflecting God) or condemnable (usurping God). Gospel Illustrations: Coins and Allegiance Matthew 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24 all recount Jesus holding a denarius: “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” By compelling His hearers to acknowledge Caesar’s likeness, Jesus highlights that image signals ownership. The moment prepares readers to grasp that bearing God’s image entails owing Him ultimate allegiance. Humanity Created and Marred 1 Corinthians 11:7 recalls Genesis: “Man is the image and glory of God.” Sin has not erased that status (compare James 3:9), yet Romans 1:23 laments that sinners “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man,” trading the true εἰκών for false ones. The word therefore becomes a barometer of worship: either reflecting the Creator or distorting Him. Christ, the Perfect Image Colossians 1:15 declares, “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Likewise, 2 Corinthians 4:4 identifies “the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Jesus is not merely God-like; He is God made visible, the exact and final revelation by which every other image is tested. Transformation of Believers Salvation restores and advances the divine pattern. Romans 8:29 promises believers will be “conformed to the image of His Son.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 celebrates an ongoing process: “And we all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” 1 Corinthians 15:49 projects its climax: “Just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” Colossians 3:10 links the renewal of the mind with the restored image. Shadow and Substance Hebrews 10:1 contrasts the law’s “shadow of the good things to come” with the reality resident in Christ. Mosaic rituals functioned as imperfect sketches; the true εἰκών appears in the incarnate Son and His new-covenant work. Idolatry and the Image of the Beast Revelation uses εἰκών eight times, climaxing the Bible’s polemic against false images. The second beast “tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast” (Revelation 13:14), then “was granted power to give breath to the image” (13:15). Worship of that image brings wrath (14:9-11; 16:2; 19:20), whereas refusal—even unto martyrdom—secures blessing (15:2; 20:4). The passages underscore that allegiance to any rival image is incompatible with loyalty to Christ. Historical Reflection Early church fathers appealed to these texts to defend orthodox Christology: if Christ is the true image, He must be fully divine. During iconoclast debates, theologians distinguished between veneration directed through images and worship due only to the prototype, always returning to Colossians 1:15 as the controlling truth. Reformers later emphasized Word-centered worship, mindful of Revelation’s warnings. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Identity: Teach believers that dignity and purpose flow from bearing God’s image, renewed in Christ. Key References Matthew 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24; Romans 1:23; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 11:7; 1 Corinthians 15:49; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 3:10; Hebrews 10:1; Revelation 13:14-15; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:4 Englishman's Concordance Matthew 22:20 N-NFSGRK: Τίνος ἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ NAS: to them, Whose likeness and inscription KJV: [is] this image and INT: Whose [is] the likeness this and Mark 12:16 N-NFS Luke 20:24 N-AFS Romans 1:23 N-GFS Romans 8:29 N-GFS 1 Corinthians 11:7 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 15:49 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 15:49 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 3:18 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 4:4 N-NFS Colossians 1:15 N-NFS Colossians 3:10 N-AFS Hebrews 10:1 N-AFS Revelation 13:14 N-AFS Revelation 13:15 N-DFS Revelation 13:15 N-NFS Revelation 13:15 N-DFS Revelation 14:9 N-AFS Revelation 14:11 N-AFS Revelation 15:2 N-GFS Revelation 16:2 N-DFS Revelation 19:20 N-DFS Revelation 20:4 N-AFS Strong's Greek 1504 |
    |