Lexical Summary homoiotés: Likeness, similarity Original Word: ὁμοιότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance likeness, similarityFrom homoios; resemblance -- like as, similitude. see GREEK homoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom homoios Definition likeness, in like manner NASB Translation likeness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3665: ὁμοιότηςὁμοιότης, ὁμοιοτητος, ἡ (ὅμοιος), likeness: καθ' ὁμοιότητα, in like manner, Hebrews 4:15 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 143 (136)); κατά τήν ὁμοιότητα (Μελχισέδεκ), after the likeness, Hebrews 7:15. (Genesis 1:11; 4 Macc. 15:4 (3); Plato, Aristotle, Isocr, Polybius, Philo, Plutarch.) Topical Lexicon Essential ConceptStrong’s Greek 3665 conveys the idea of “likeness” or “correspondence.” In biblical thought the term moves beyond superficial resemblance to indicate a substantive, purposeful identification that serves God’s redemptive plan. Occurrences in the New Testament Hebrews 4:15 – The writer affirms that Jesus was “tempted in every way just as we are, yet was without sin.” The underlying phrase expresses that His temptations occurred “according to likeness,” highlighting a genuine solidarity with human experience while maintaining His sinlessness. Hebrews 7:15 – The epistle states, “And this point is even more clear if another priest, like Melchizedek, appears.” Here the term underscores that Jesus’ priesthood corresponds to, yet surpasses, the pattern seen in Melchizedek, not the Levitical line. Though the noun appears only twice, these occurrences frame the heart of Hebrews: a High Priest who is both fully identified with humanity and uniquely qualified to mediate a new covenant. Christological Significance 1. True Identification with Humanity By using ὁμοιότης, Hebrews 4:15 stresses that the Incarnation was not a mere semblance. The Son entered authentic human conditions—weaknesses, trials, temptations—so He can “sympathize with our weaknesses.” This guards against Docetism and affirms the full reality of Jesus’ humanity without compromising His divinity. 2. Sinless Likeness The same verse balances likeness with distinction. Jesus shares our temptations, yet remains “without sin.” His moral perfection equips Him to offer effective atonement and model victorious obedience. Priestly and Typological Importance 1. A Priest “Like Melchizedek” Hebrews 7:15 links likeness to typology. Jesus is similar to Melchizedek in being king-priest, appointed directly by God, and eternal in office (Hebrews 7:3, 17). Yet the likeness is functional, not genealogical, highlighting Jesus’ superiority over the Aaronic line. 2. Continuity and Fulfillment The term safeguards continuity: God’s earlier revelation about Melchizedek foreshadows Christ. Simultaneously, it signals fulfillment: the lesser pattern gives way to the ultimate reality in the Son. Historical and Literary Background In broader Hellenistic usage, ὁμοιότης could describe similarity in form, character, or function. The inspired author of Hebrews draws on that semantic field to communicate theological depth: the same word that philosophers used for abstract resemblances now illuminates the tangible, salvific correspondence between Christ and humanity, and between Christ and prophetic types. Ministry and Pastoral Application 1. Confidence in Approach Because our High Priest shares our frame, believers are invited to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). The doctrine of likeness removes any barrier of alienation between sinners and their Savior. 2. Assurance of Perfect Help The sinless yet sympathetic Priest provides “grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Pastors and counselors can ground exhortation and comfort in this twin truth: Jesus truly understands and is fully able. 3. Instruction for Leadership As Jesus’ priesthood parallels Melchizedek’s, church leaders are reminded that true ministry is God-appointed, righteousness-oriented, and blessing-dispensing (Hebrews 7:1-2). The pattern encourages humble dependence on divine calling rather than lineage or human credential. Theological Synthesis ὁμοιότης encapsulates the paradox of the Gospel: nearness without compromise. Christ is like us in every genuine respect necessary for representation, yet unlike us in holiness so that He can redeem. He is like Melchizedek in order and dignity, yet infinitely greater as the eternal Son. Through a single term, Scripture affirms both the continuity of God’s unfolding revelation and the climactic supremacy of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ομοιοτητα ομοιότητα ὁμοιότητα homoioteta homoiotēta homoióteta homoiótēta omoioteta omoiotētaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 4:15 N-AFSGRK: πάντα καθ' ὁμοιότητα χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας KJV: like as [we are, yet] without INT: all things by same way apart from sin Hebrews 7:15 N-AFS |
    |