apparently a primary verb (perhaps akin to εἴκω through the idea of faintness as a copy); to resemble:--be like.
Transliteration:eíkō
Pronunciation:i'-ko
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εἴκω (G1503) carries the core meaning of "to resemble" or "to be like." Its etymological note suggests a connection to the idea of "faintness as a copy," distinguishing it from a mere identical match. This nuance implies a similarity that may not be exact, or a representation that is not a perfect duplication. It suggests a correspondence or similitude rather than an absolute sameness. It is crucial to differentiate this εἴκω (G1503) from its homonym, εἴκω (G1502), which means "to yield" or "to give way." The provided definition for G1503 specifically points to the concept of likeness or resemblance, often with the implication of a less than perfect or a derivative form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
According to standard New Testament lexicons and concordances, the lemma εἴκω (G1503) does not appear in the extant Greek New Testament text. While it is listed as a valid Greek word, its absence from the inspired Scriptures means there are no direct biblical occurrences to analyze contextually. Its inclusion in lexicons often stems from its presence in other ancient Greek literature or as a root word from which other biblical terms are derived. Therefore, any discussion of its "biblical" context would necessarily be hypothetical, exploring how a word with this specific nuance of "resemblance" might have functioned if it had been employed by the New Testament authors.
### Related Words & Concepts
Though εἴκω (G1503) itself is absent from the New Testament, its semantic field of "likeness" and "resemblance" is richly explored through other Greek terms. Key related words include:
* **εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`):** This noun signifies an "image" or "likeness," often implying a true and faithful representation, a perfect copy that shares the essence of the original. For example, Christ is described as the "image" of the invisible God ([[Colossians 1:15]]).
* **ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, `{{G3667}}`):** Denotes a "likeness" or "resemblance," often suggesting a copy or pattern. It can imply a similarity without necessarily being identical in substance.
* **ὅμοιος (homoios, `{{G3669}}`):** An adjective meaning "like" or "similar," indicating a shared characteristic or quality.
* **ὁμοιόω (homoioō, `{{G3664}}`):** The verb "to make like" or "to liken," used to describe the process of becoming similar to something or someone.
The distinctive nuance of εἴκω (G1503) – the "faintness as a copy" – would differentiate it from the more robust concept of εἰκών (`{{G1504}}`), which often denotes a substantive and accurate image. If εἴκω (G1503) were used, it might describe a less perfect, perhaps even an imperfect or partial, resemblance.
### Theological Significance
While εἴκω (G1503) does not appear in the New Testament, its conceptual meaning of "to resemble" with the nuance of "faintness as a copy" holds significant theological implications.
1. **The Imago Dei (Image of God):** Humanity is created in the "likeness" of God ([[Genesis 1:26]]). If εἴκω (G1503) were used to describe this, it could highlight the fallen state of humanity, where the divine image is marred or "faint," contrasting with the perfect and unblemished image found in Christ.
2. **Spiritual Transformation:** The New Testament speaks of believers being conformed to the image of Christ ([[Romans 8:29]], [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]). If εἴκω (G1503) were employed, it might describe the initial stages of this transformation, where believers begin to "resemble" Christ, though the process of becoming fully like Him is ongoing and perfected at glorification.
3. **Shadow and Reality:** The Old Testament law and its rituals are often described as a "shadow" of the good things to come, with Christ being the "substance" ([[Colossians 2:17]], [[Hebrews 10:1]]). εἴκω (G1503) could conceptually articulate how the shadows "resembled" the reality, but were not the full manifestation themselves, possessing a "faintness" compared to the ultimate truth.
In essence, the potential theological weight of εἴκω (G1503) lies in its capacity to describe degrees of similarity, particularly where the resemblance is partial, derivative, or indicative of an imperfect reflection of a greater reality.
### Summary
The Greek verb εἴκω (G1503) signifies "to resemble" or "to be like," carrying the specific nuance of a "faint copy." This distinguishes it from an exact duplication and from its homonym meaning "to yield." Although εἴκω (G1503) does not appear in the New Testament, its conceptual meaning is highly relevant to biblical theology. It contrasts with terms like εἰκών (`{{G1504}}`), which denotes a perfect image, by suggesting a less precise or complete likeness. Theologically, if present, εἴκω (G1503) could have been used to describe the marred image of God in fallen humanity, the initial stages of spiritual transformation into Christ's likeness, or the relationship between Old Testament types and New Testament realities, emphasizing a resemblance that is partial or preparatory rather than ultimate.
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