### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`) derives from εἴκω (eikō), meaning "to be like" or "to resemble." Its core meaning denotes a "likeness," "representation," or "resemblance." Crucially, eikōn is not merely a superficial copy or a faint imitation, but a true and adequate representation that shares the essential characteristics and nature of the original. It implies a participation in the reality of what it represents, making the original present through the image.
The semantic range of eikōn extends from literal representations, such as a statue or a portrait (e.g., [[Matthew 22:20]] referring to Caesar's image on a coin; [[Revelation 13:14-15]] concerning the image of the beast), to more profound, figurative applications. In its figurative sense, it signifies a manifestation or embodiment of the original's very being or character. This distinguishes eikōn from words like `{{G3667}}` (homoióō) or `{{G3668}}` (homoíōma), which emphasize mere similarity or outward resemblance without necessarily implying shared essence. An eikōn is a manifestation of the original's nature, not just its appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term eikōn appears frequently in the New Testament, carrying significant theological weight across various contexts:
1. **Christ as the Image of God:** This is perhaps the most profound theological use. [[Colossians 1:15]] declares Christ to be "the image of the invisible God," and [[2 Corinthians 4:4]] refers to "Christ, who is the image of God." Here, eikōn signifies that Jesus is the perfect, eternal, and substantial manifestation of the unseen God. He is not merely *like* God, but He fully reveals and embodies the divine essence, making the invisible God comprehensible and accessible. He is the very "form" and "expression" of God, sharing fully in the divine nature.
2. **Humanity Created in God's Image:** The Old Testament concept of humanity being created "in the image of God" (Hebrew `{{H6754}}` tselem, often translated by the Septuagint as eikōn in [[Genesis 1:26-27]]) is foundational. In the New Testament, [[1 Corinthians 11:7]] states that man "is the image and glory of God." This eikōn in humanity refers to a unique capacity for relationship with God, moral and spiritual attributes that reflect God's character, and a delegated dominion over creation. While marred by the Fall, this image is not eradicated and is the basis for humanity's dignity and potential for restoration. [[Colossians 3:10]] speaks of believers being "renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him," and [[Romans 8:29]] states that believers are predestined "to be conformed to the image of His Son."
3. **Idolatry and False Images:** In contrast to the true image of God, eikōn is also used for idols or false representations of deity. [[Romans 1:23]] condemns those who "exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." Here, eikōn denotes a fabricated representation that distorts or replaces the true God. Similarly, in [[Revelation 13:14-15]], the "image of the beast" represents a counterfeit authority demanding worship, a perversion of the true divine image. [[Acts 19:35]] refers to the "image which fell from Zeus" (Artemis's statue in Ephesus), a literal idol.
4. **Secular Usage:** In [[Matthew 22:20]], Jesus asks whose "image and inscription" are on the Roman coin, referring to Caesar's likeness. This illustrates the common understanding of eikōn as a physical representation of an individual, signifying ownership and authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **`{{H6754}}` (tselem):** This is the primary Old Testament Hebrew word for "image," particularly in [[Genesis 1:26-27]]. The Septuagint's consistent translation of tselem as eikōn establishes a crucial conceptual link between the two testaments regarding the *imago Dei*. Tselem also carries the sense of a concrete representation, like an idol, mirroring the dual usage of eikōn.
2. **`{{G3667}}` (homoióō) / `{{G3668}}` (homoíōma):** These terms mean "to make like" or "likeness/resemblance." While related to eikōn in the sense of similarity, they do not necessarily imply the same ontological connection. An homoíōma can be a mere copy or resemblance without sharing the essential nature of the original. For example, [[Philippians 2:7]] states Christ came "in the likeness of men" (homoióma), emphasizing His human appearance, but eikōn in [[Colossians 1:15]] speaks to His divine essence.
3. **`{{G5481}}` (charaktēr):** Meaning "exact imprint," "stamp," or "character," this word is used in [[Hebrews 1:3]] to describe Christ as "the exact imprint of His [God's] nature." While eikōn emphasizes Christ as the visible representation, charaktēr highlights His precise identity and co-essentiality with the Father, like an impression from a seal. Both terms affirm Christ's full divinity and His role in revealing God.
4. **Concepts of Representation and Manifestation:** Eikōn is central to understanding how the invisible God makes Himself known. It speaks to the idea that true representation involves not just appearance but also participation in the nature of the represented.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eikōn is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Christology:** The designation of Christ as the eikōn of God is foundational to Christian understanding of His person. It affirms His co-equality and co-essentiality with the Father, refuting any notion that He is a created being or merely a reflection. He is the perfect, eternal, and complete manifestation of God's glory and nature, through whom God is fully revealed ([[John 14:9]]). He is the prototype for all creation and the ultimate goal of humanity's transformation.
2. **Anthropology:** Humanity's creation in the eikōn of God confers immense dignity and purpose. It signifies that humans are uniquely designed to reflect God's character, exercise His dominion responsibly, and enter into intimate relationship with Him. The Fall distorted this image, leading to alienation and moral corruption, but did not utterly destroy it.
3. **Soteriology:** Salvation, from this perspective, is the process of being restored and conformed to the eikōn of Christ. [[Romans 8:29]] articulates God's purpose for believers to be "conformed to the image of His Son." [[2 Corinthians 3:18]] describes believers being "transformed into the same image from glory to glory," indicating a progressive sanctification. This restoration culminates in glorification, when believers will fully bear the likeness of Christ ([[1 John 3:2]]).
4. **Eschatology:** The full realization of the eikōn in believers is an eschatological hope. At Christ's return, believers will be fully conformed to His glorious image, reflecting perfectly the divine nature.
5. **Critique of Idolatry:** The concept of eikōn also highlights the gravity of idolatry. To worship a false eikōn is to reject the true God and His authentic manifestation, substituting the Creator with the created. It is a fundamental distortion of reality and a perversion of humanity's true purpose.
### Summary
The Greek word εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`) signifies a likeness or representation that is not merely superficial but shares in the essential nature and reality of the original. It is a profound term in biblical theology, particularly in the New Testament. Christ is supremely the eikōn of the invisible God, meaning He is the perfect, substantial, and eternal manifestation of the divine essence. Humanity was created in God's eikōn, endowing us with dignity and the capacity to reflect His character, though this image was marred by sin. The process of salvation involves being progressively conformed to the eikōn of Christ, culminating in full restoration at glorification. Conversely, eikōn also denotes false representations, such as idols, which are condemned as a perversion of truth and a rejection of the true God. Thus, eikōn encapsulates critical truths about God's revelation, humanity's identity, and the transformative work of salvation.
TRV