ὁμοίωμα
homoíōma
G3667 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An object or quality that bears a resemblance to something else; likeness or form. In specific contexts, it refers to an image, representation, or figure embodying the appearance or characteristics of another entity, without necessarily implying identity or substance. The semantic range also includes the idea of something made in the image or pattern of something else, a figure resembling the real thing, or a symbolic imitation.
Semantic Range
likeness, resemblance, image, form, figure, representation, symbolic imitation
Root / Etymology
From the verb ὁμοιόω (to make like, to liken) and ultimately related to ὅμοιος (like, similar).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὁμοίωμα appears in both the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament. In classical Greek it was used occasionally to refer to a likeness, resemblance, or that which resembles something, often in an artistic or representational context. In the LXX, especially in passages concerning prohibition of idols (e.g., Exodus 20:4), it denotes an image or representation of something in heaven or on earth. In the New Testament, it is used for the 'likeness' or 'form' of human beings (Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:7) and sometimes in reference to things made to resemble something else (Romans 1:23). Standard translations like 'likeness' or 'form' capture some but not all nuances: the term may suggest resemblance without necessarily indicating full equivalence or identity. The idea of 'similitude' implies not an exact copy but something sharing certain attributes or appearance. There is an important distinction between ὁμοίωμα (emphasizing resemblance or image) and εἰκών (image, representation), with the former focusing on similarity and the latter on representation or manifestation. In Hellenistic, Jewish, and early Christian contexts, its use often connects to debates around images, forms, and representations (especially in relation to idolatry or the incarnation).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὁμοιόω; a form; abstractly, resemblance:--made like to, likeness, shape, similitude.
Root Family
ὁμοίωμα (homoíōma) — likeness, resemblance, image, form, representation
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3667-02 |
ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
likeness | in a likeness | 5 |
G3667-01 |
ὁμοιώματα | omoiomata | N NOM N PL |
likenesses | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3667-02 |
Romans 1:23 | ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
in a likeness | |
G3667-02 |
Romans 5:14 | ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
in a likeness | |
G3667-02 |
Romans 6:5 | ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
in a likeness | |
G3667-02 |
Romans 8:3 | ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
in a likeness | |
G3667-02 |
Philippians 2:7 | ὁμοιώματι | omoiomati | N DAT N SG |
likeness | in a likeness |
G3667-01 |
Revelation 9:7 | ὁμοιώματα | omoiomata | N NOM N PL |
likenesses |