ὁμοίωσις
homoíōsis
G3669 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Act of making like, process or result of becoming similar; the state or condition of resemblance. In philosophical or rhetorical usage, denotes the action of rendering similar or the achieved likeness between entities. In some contexts, can refer to representation or image, especially when describing metaphysical likeness (e.g., between humans and the divine).
Semantic Range
act of making like, process or state of becoming similar, resemblance, representation, image (esp. as metaphysical resemblance), analogy, similarity, similitude
Root / Etymology
From ὁμοιόω (to make like, to liken), which is derived from ὅμοιος (like, similar) with the verb-forming suffix -οω; plus the nominal suffix -σις. Root: ὁμοί- (likeness, resemblance).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὁμοίωσις appears in Hellenistic philosophical literature, such as Plato and later Platonists, often in contexts discussing the process or ideal of becoming like the gods (ὁμοίωσις θεῷ). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it occurs rarely, notably in contexts where resemblance, especially to God or in moral character, is discussed (e.g., Jas 3:9). The nuance can differ from εἰκών (image) or μορφή (form/shape), which focus on visible or structural likeness; ὁμοίωσις stresses assimilation or achieved similarity, including in ethical, spiritual, and ontological senses. English translations often render it as 'likeness' or 'similitude,' but may miss the active or processual dimension implied by the term. Never an exact synonym for 'image' (εἰκών), as it can refer to less tangible or less formal resemblance. In philosophical Greek, can carry the sense of 'analogy' or 'conformation.' Usage in Koine outside Septuagint/NT continues these philosophical associations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὁμοιόω; assimilation, i.e. resemblance:--similitude.
Root Family
ὁμοίωσις (homoiosis) — making like, becoming similar, resemblance, representation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3669-01 |
ὁμοίωσιν | omoiosin | N ACC F SG |
likeness | likeness | likeness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3669-01 |
James 3:9 | ὁμοίωσιν | omoiosin | N ACC F SG |
likeness | likeness | likeness |