Lexical Summary paromoios: Similar, like, resembling Original Word: παρόμοιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance like. From para and homoios; alike nearly, i.e. Similar -- like. see GREEK para see GREEK homoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and homoios Definition much like NASB Translation such (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3946: παρόμοιοςπαρόμοιος, παρομοιον (also of three term. (see ὅμοιος, at the beginning)), like: Mark 7:8 (T WH omit; Tr brackets the clause), 13. (Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Demosthenes, Polybius, Diodorus, others.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Scope The term παρόμοια (Strong’s Greek 3946) designates things that are “of like kind,” “corresponding,” or “similar in character.” It functions to group practices or actions that share a common essence, highlighting equivalence rather than exact duplication. In Mark 7, Jesus uses the word to indict a pattern, not merely an isolated offense: the religious leaders’ habit of inventing customs that stand on par with, or even above, the commands of God. Canonical Occurrences Literary Context in Mark 7 Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes over ritual handwashing. He cites Isaiah 29:13 and then charges them with elevating tradition above Scripture. After illustrating with the “Corban” loophole (Mark 7:11–12), He concludes, “Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do many similar things” (Mark 7:13). The final clause employs παρόμοια, signaling that Corban is representative of numerous comparable abuses. Theological Emphasis 1. Supremacy of Divine Revelation: By labeling additional practices as “similar,” Jesus affirms that any human regulation rivaling God’s commandments is equally culpable. Historical Background Second-Temple Judaism had developed an extensive oral tradition later codified in the Mishnah. While many customs aimed to guard Torah observance, some evolved into binding regulations carrying authority equal to Scripture. Jesus’ use of παρόμοια draws attention to the multiplying effect of such traditions: once one extrabiblical rule gains authority, others of a “similar kind” inevitably follow. Ministry and Discipleship Application • Guard the Gospel: Teachers today must ensure that cultural preferences, denominational distinctives, or ministry methodologies never attain parity with scriptural mandates. Intertextual Echoes and Later Usage Though παρόμοια appears only in Mark, its concept reverberates in passages such as Colossians 2:20-23, where Paul warns against decrees that have “an appearance of wisdom” yet lack spiritual value. Early church fathers like Irenaeus cited Jesus’ confrontation to argue against Gnostic regulations, viewing them as “similar things” that undermined apostolic doctrine. Contemporary Implications In missions, church planting, and worship planning, distinguishing timeless commands from culturally “similar” forms prevents syncretism. Leaders are called to weigh every practice against the standard of Scripture, lest well-intentioned supplements become substitutes. Summary Strong’s 3946 pinpoints the insidious expansion of human tradition. By identifying “many similar things,” Jesus uncovers a systemic problem and calls His followers back to uncompromised allegiance to the word of God. Forms and Transliterations παρομοια παρόμοια paromoia parómoiaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 7:8 Adj-ANPGRK: καὶ ἀλλὰ παρόμοια τοιαῦτα πολλὰ KJV: other such like things ye do. INT: and other like [things] such much Mark 7:13 Adj-ANP |
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