Lexical Summary homoiazó: To resemble, to be like, to liken Original Word: ὁμοιάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance agree. From homoios; to resemble -- agree. see GREEK homoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for paromoiazó, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3662: ὁμοιάζωὁμοιάζω; (ὅμοιος (cf. Winers Grammar, 25)); to be like: Matthew 23:27 L Tr text WH marginal reading; Mark 14:70 Rec. where see Fritzsche, p. 658f; (on the dative cf. Winer's Grammar, § 31, 1 h.). Not found elsewhere. (Compare: παρομοιάζω.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 3662 conveys the idea of bearing likeness or resemblance—whether in appearance, speech, or character. Although it appears only once in the New Testament, the term captures a principle woven throughout Scripture: likeness reveals identity. Scriptural Occurrence Mark 14:70 records the only New Testament use. In the courtyard of the high priest, bystanders confront Peter: “Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean.” The verb translated “are” in many English versions is more literally “you resemble” (ὁμοιάζει). Peter’s accent and manner mark him as belonging to Jesus’ circle, even while he tries to distance himself. Historical and Cultural Background Galilean speech differed from Judean pronunciation, making northerners easily recognizable in Jerusalem. In a tense, candle-lit courtyard, Peter’s dialect betrayed him. The episode highlights how regional accents served as social identifiers in first-century Judea—much as clothing or insignia might today. To “resemble” a Galilean was not merely linguistic; it implied association with the Galilean rabbi whose arrest had just shaken the city. Theological Themes 1. Identity Revealed by Likeness From creation humanity is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27), and disciples are called to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). Mark 14:70 turns this truth negatively: likeness to Christ cannot be hidden, even when a disciple seeks anonymity. 2. Speech as Evidence of the Heart “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Peter’s speech resembles that of Jesus’ followers; words expose allegiance. 3. Cost of Discipleship Recognition brings risk. Peter’s resemblance leads to accusation, showing that true discipleship invites scrutiny and possible persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Practical Ministry Implications • Authentic Witness: Believers’ words and actions should so mirror Christ that observers identify them as His, even without overt profession. Related Concepts and Passages • Matthew 26:73—A parallel scene where Peter’s “speech” reveals him. Summary Though rare in usage, Strong’s 3662 underscores a pervasive biblical message: resemblance exposes relationship. For disciples, likeness to Christ—manifested in speech, demeanor, and deed—both authenticates their testimony and summons them to faithful endurance. Forms and Transliterations ομοιαζει ομοιάζει ὁμοιάζει homoiazei homoiázei omoiazeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:70 V-PIA-3SGRK: λαλιά σου ὁμοιάζει KJV: speech agreeth [thereto]. INT: speech of you agrees |
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