Lexical Summary homoióma: Likeness, form, resemblance Original Word: ὁμοίωμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance likeness, form, appearanceFrom homoioo; a form; abstractly, resemblance -- made like to, likeness, shape, similitude. see GREEK homoioo HELPS Word-studies 3667 homoíōma (a neuter noun derived from homos, "the same") – properly, the same as; likeness, similitude (resemblance). 3667 /homoíōma ("likeness, particular similarity") is a comparison used to increase understanding. 3667 /homoíōma ("resemblance") does not require one element of a comparison to be derived from the other; indeed, it can be wholly separate from it. Rather, 3667 (homoíōma) refers to a basic analogy (resemblance), not an exact copy. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom homoioó Definition that which is made like (something) NASB Translation appearance (1), form (1), likeness (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3667: ὁμοίωμαὁμοίωμα, ὁμοιώματος, τό (ὁμοιόω), the Sept. for תְּמוּנָה, דְּמוּת, צֶלֶם, תַּבְנִית; properly, that which has been made after the likeness of something, hence, a. a figure, image, likeness, representation: Psalm 105:20 b. likeness i. e. resemblance (inasmuch as that appears in an image or figure), frequent such as amounts almost to equality or identity: τίνος, Romans 6:5; Romans 8:3 (on which see σάρξ, 3 at the end (cf. Weiss, Biblical Theol. etc. §§ 69 e. note, 78 c. note)); Philippians 2:7 (see μορφή); εἰκόνος, a likeness expressed by an image, i. e. an image, like, Romans 1:23; ἐπί τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ, in the same manner in which Adam transgressed a command of God (see ἐπί, B. 2 a. εε.), Romans 5:14. Cf. the different views of this word set forth by Holsten, Zum Evangel. des Paulus u. Petrus, p. 437ff and (especially for examples) in the Jahrbüch. f. protest. Theol. for 1815, p. 451ff, and by Zeller, Zeitschr. f. wissensch. Theol. for 1870, p. 301ff. (Synonym: cf. εἰκών, at the end; Schmidt, chapter 191.) The word translated “likeness” in many English versions expresses the idea of something that corresponds to, represents, or resembles another reality. Scripture employs the concept both positively—to illuminate the saving work of God—and negatively—to expose the folly of idolatry. Occurrences in the New Testament • Romans 1:23 contrasts idolatrous “images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles,” underscoring humanity’s downward exchange of divine glory for created replicas. Key Themes Emerging from Usage 1. Representation versus Reality: The term highlights whether a likeness faithfully reflects its source (Christ as the true image) or distorts it (idolatrous images). Christ and the “Likeness of Sinful Flesh” (Romans 8:3) By sending His Son in this likeness, God judged sin within the very sphere where it held sway. The wording protects two truths: Christ truly shared our humanity, yet He alone remained without sin. Thus, the Incarnation becomes the decisive means by which the law’s righteous requirement is fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4). Union with Christ and the Believer’s Transformation (Romans 6:5) The shared likeness in death implies an equally certain likeness in resurrection. This undergirds sanctification: present conformity to Christ’s crucifixion leads inexorably to future conformity to His glorified life (Romans 8:29). Contrast with Idolatrous Likeness (Romans 1:23) Whereas Christ is the perfect “image of the invisible God,” idolatry manufactures degenerate likenesses that conceal divine glory. Paul’s indictment reveals that distorted worship lies at the root of moral collapse. Symbolism in Apocalyptic Imagery (Revelation 9:7) John’s use of likeness language signals the visionary, symbolic nature of his descriptions. The comparison to war-horses communicates ferocity and discipline without demanding a literal biology for the locusts. Historical Understanding in the Early Church Church Fathers such as Irenaeus emphasized Adam’s typological likeness to Christ to defend the unity of Scripture. Later, Reformers highlighted Romans 6:5 to teach believers’ assurance and sanctification through union with Christ. Ministerial Application • Preaching: Emphasize the true Image, Jesus Christ, over all rival representations. Intertextual Echoes with the Old Testament The New Testament’s use of the term draws on Genesis language: humanity created “in the image and likeness of God.” The fall distorted that likeness; the gospel restores and perfects it in Christ, culminating when “we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Englishman's Concordance Romans 1:23 N-DNSGRK: θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ NAS: for an image in the form of corruptible KJV: an image made like to corruptible INT: God into a likeness of an image of mortal Romans 5:14 N-DNS Romans 6:5 N-DNS Romans 8:3 N-DNS Philippians 2:7 N-DNS Revelation 9:7 N-NNP Strong's Greek 3667 |
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