from ὅμοιος and the alternate of πάσχω; similarly affected:--of (subject to) like passions.
Transliteration:homoiopathḗs
Pronunciation:hom-oy-op-ath-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3663}}` (homoiopathḗs) is a compound adjective derived from `{{G3664}}` (homoios), meaning "like" or "similar," and `{{G3958}}` (paschō), meaning "to suffer," "to experience," or "to be affected by." Thus, its core meaning is "similarly affected," "having like experiences," or "subject to the same passions/infirmities." It denotes a shared human condition, particularly in terms of vulnerability, susceptibility to suffering, and common human limitations or emotions. It emphasizes a sameness in nature or experience, often highlighting shared frailty rather than shared strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G3663}}` appears in the New Testament in two significant contexts:
1. **Acts 14:15:** In Lystra, after Paul healed a man lame from birth, the crowds attempted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, mistaking them for gods (Hermes and Zeus). Paul and Barnabas vehemently rejected this, tearing their clothes and crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" [[Acts 14:15]]. Here, `{{G3663}}` is used to assert their shared humanity and mortality, directly refuting any perception of their divine nature. It underscores their humility and their commitment to directing worship solely to the one true God, emphasizing that they, like the Lystrans, are subject to human limitations, emotions, and experiences.
2. **James 5:17:** As part of his exhortation on the power of prayer, James writes, "Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months" [[James 5:17]]. In this context, `{{G3663}}` serves to bridge the perceived gap between the extraordinary biblical figure of Elijah and the ordinary believer. By stating that Elijah was "a man of like passions," James emphasizes that Elijah was not inherently superhuman or divinely distinct in his nature. He experienced the same human emotions, weaknesses, and limitations as any other person. The implication is profound: if God worked powerfully through Elijah, despite his common humanity, then God can and will work powerfully through the prayers of contemporary believers who are similarly human. This usage encourages fervent prayer by demystifying the spiritual giants of the past and empowering the present-day church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G3663}}` includes words related to human nature, shared experience, and vulnerability:
* `{{G444}}` (anthrōpos): "man," referring to a human being in general, highlighting shared humanity.
* `{{G4561}}` (sarx): "flesh," often used in a theological sense to denote human weakness, mortality, or sinfulness, contrasting with the divine spirit.
* `{{G770}}` (asthenēs): "weak," "infirm," pointing to the fragility inherent in human existence.
* `{{G3664}}` (homoios): "like," "similar," the root of `{{G3663}}`, emphasizing commonality.
* `{{G3958}}` (paschō): "to suffer," "to experience," the other root, highlighting shared experiences, particularly those involving hardship or emotion.
The concept expressed by `{{G3663}}` stands in contrast to divine attributes such as immortality, omnipotence, and impassibility (inability to suffer or be affected by human emotions in a limiting way). It highlights the fundamental distinction between the Creator and the created, even as it underscores the potential for God to work through finite human instruments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3663}}` is multifaceted:
1. **Affirmation of Human Nature:** The word firmly establishes the shared human condition, including its inherent limitations, vulnerabilities, and emotional experiences. It reminds believers that even those used mightily by God are not exempt from the realities of human existence.
2. **Humility and Rejection of Idolatry:** In Acts, `{{G3663}}` serves as a powerful theological statement against human deification. Paul and Barnabas's insistence on being "men of like passions" underscores the absolute distinction between creature and Creator, directing all worship to God alone. This is a foundational principle of biblical monotheism.
3. **Empowerment for Prayer:** James's use of `{{G3663}}` is a profound encouragement for believers to engage in fervent prayer. By showing that Elijah, a paragon of faith and miraculous power, was fundamentally "like us," James dismantles any excuse for spiritual passivity based on perceived inadequacy. It teaches that God hears and responds to the prayers of ordinary people, not just spiritual elites. The power lies not in the inherent nature of the one praying, but in the God to whom the prayer is directed.
4. **Solidarity in Suffering:** Implicit in "similarly affected" is the idea of shared experience, including suffering and hardship. This fosters a sense of solidarity among believers, recognizing that all are subject to the common trials of life, and that God's grace is sufficient for all.
### Summary
`{{G3663}}` (homoiopathḗs) is a potent Greek term meaning "similarly affected" or "of like passions," emphasizing shared human nature, including its vulnerabilities and experiences. In [[Acts 14:15]], it highlights the humility of the apostles, rejecting human deification and affirming the sole worship of God. In [[James 5:17]], it serves as a profound encouragement, demonstrating that figures like Elijah, despite their extraordinary acts, were fundamentally human, thereby empowering ordinary believers to pray with faith, knowing that God works through His people irrespective of their common human limitations. The word thus underscores the distinction between Creator and creature, promotes humility, and powerfully motivates believers to active faith and prayer.
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