### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
*hómoios* (`{{G3664}}`) is an adjective derived from the base of *homou* (`{{G3674}}`), meaning "together" or "at the same place," which inherently points to the concept of sameness or likeness. Its primary meaning is "similar," "like," or "resembling." This similarity is not necessarily one of absolute identity but rather a significant degree of resemblance across various aspects:
* **Appearance or Form:** Describing visual or structural resemblance, such as "like a son of man" ([[Revelation 1:13]]) or "like horses" ([[Revelation 9:7]]).
* **Nature or Character:** Indicating an intrinsic, moral, or qualitative likeness, as in being "like the Father" in mercy ([[Luke 6:36]]).
* **Quality or Kind:** Referring to shared attributes or properties, such as the kingdom of heaven being "like a mustard seed" ([[Matthew 13:31]]).
* **Manner or Way:** Suggesting resemblance in action, method, or consequence, as in the days of Lot being "the same way" ([[Luke 17:30]]).
The term implies a shared characteristic that makes two or more entities comparable, often suggesting they belong to the same category or possess similar qualities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *hómoios* in the New Testament illuminate its diverse applications and theological weight:
* **Describing Divine and Apocalyptic Appearances:** In the book of Revelation, *hómoios* frequently describes the appearance of heavenly beings or elements of divine judgment, often conveying a sense of comparison to earthly forms due to the indescribable nature of the divine. For instance, the Son of Man is seen "like a son of man" ([[Revelation 1:13]]), and the four living creatures are "like" various animals ([[Revelation 4:7]]). This usage highlights a resemblance that helps human understanding without implying exact identity.
* **Illustrating Spiritual Truths through Parables:** Jesus frequently uses *hómoios* to introduce parables, likening the Kingdom of Heaven or spiritual principles to familiar earthly scenarios. Examples include the Kingdom of Heaven being "like a mustard seed" ([[Matthew 13:31]]), "like leaven" ([[Matthew 13:33]]), or "like a merchant in search of fine pearls" ([[Matthew 13:45]]). This rhetorical device effectively communicates complex spiritual realities by drawing parallels to relatable experiences.
* **Commanding Ethical and Moral Conformity:** *hómoios* is used in ethical exhortations, urging believers to align their character with God's. Jesus commands His disciples to be "merciful, just as your Father is merciful" ([[Luke 6:36]]) and to "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" ([[Matthew 5:48]]), implying a striving for moral and spiritual likeness to God.
* **Affirming Christ's Humanity:** The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes Christ's full identification with humanity, stating that He "had to be made like his brothers in every respect" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]) and was "in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([[Hebrews 4:15]]). This use of *hómoios* affirms the reality of Christ's human experience while preserving His unique sinlessness.
* **Describing Transformation and Eschatological Hope:** Believers are called to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. While *eikōn* (`{{G1504}}`) often denotes the image itself, *hómoios* speaks to the quality of that likeness. The ultimate hope is expressed in [[1 John 3:2]]: "we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is," signifying a future perfect conformity to Christ in glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
*hómoios* belongs to a significant word family that includes:
* *homoioma* (`{{G3667}}`): A noun meaning "likeness," "form," or "semblance." It often refers to the actual image or exact resemblance, as in humanity being made in the "likeness" of God ([[Romans 5:14]]).
* *homoioo* (`{{G3666}}`): A verb meaning "to make like," "to liken," or "to compare."
These three terms are closely intertwined, with *hómoios* being the adjective, *homoioma* the noun, and *homoioo* the verb, all revolving around the concept of resemblance.
Other related terms include:
* *isos* (`{{G2470}}`): Meaning "equal" or "the same." While *hómoios* implies similarity, *isos* denotes exact equality or identity. For example, Jesus making Himself *isos* "equal" with God ([[John 5:18]]) speaks of absolute divine equality, not mere resemblance.
* *eikōn* (`{{G1504}}`): "Image," "likeness," often implying a true representation or copy. In the Septuagint, *hómoios* often accompanies *eikōn* when translating the Hebrew *tselem* (`{{H6754}}`) and *demuth* (`{{H1823}}`) in [[Genesis 1:26]] ("Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"), highlighting both structural resemblance and qualitative conformity.
Contrasting concepts include:
* *heteros* (`{{G2087}}`): "Another," "different," implying a distinct kind.
* *diaphoros* (`{{G1313}}`): "Different," "diverse."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *hómoios* permeates key doctrines, from creation to eschatology:
* **The Imago Dei (Image of God):** In the Septuagint's rendering of [[Genesis 1:26]], humanity is created "in our image, after our likeness." While *eikōn* (image) points to humanity's representative function and structural resemblance to God, *hómoios* (likeness) suggests a qualitative, moral, and spiritual capacity to reflect God's character. Though marred by the Fall, this inherent capacity for likeness remains, forming the basis for redemption and transformation.
* **The Incarnation of Christ:** The New Testament's affirmation that Christ was "made like his brothers in every respect" ([[Hebrews 2:17]]) is foundational to understanding the Incarnation. This "likeness" ensures His full humanity, enabling Him to truly suffer, be tempted, and serve as a sympathetic High Priest ([[Hebrews 4:15]]). Yet, the crucial distinction—"without sin"—preserves His divine nature and His qualification as the perfect sacrifice.
* **Sanctification and Transformation:** A core theme in Christian theology is the believer's ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ. While [[2 Corinthians 3:18]] speaks of being "transformed into the same image" (*eikōn*), the goal is to become *hómoios* Christ in character, humility, love, and obedience. This progressive conformity is the work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to increasingly manifest the divine attributes in their lives.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate hope for believers is to achieve perfect *hómoios* with Christ in glory. [[1 John 3:2]] declares, "we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." This future likeness encompasses not only a glorified body ([[Philippians 3:21]]) but also a complete moral and spiritual conformity to His perfection, signifying the full restoration of the divine likeness lost in the Fall.
### Summary
*hómoios* (`{{G3664}}`) is a significant Greek adjective meaning "similar" or "like," denoting a substantial resemblance in appearance, character, quality, or manner, rather than absolute identity. Its extensive use in the New Testament highlights its versatility, from describing apocalyptic visions and illustrating parables to commanding ethical conformity and affirming Christ's humanity. As part of a key word family including *homoioma* (`{{G3667}}`) and *homoioo* (`{{G3666}}`), it underpins profound theological concepts. Theologically, *hómoios* is crucial for understanding humanity's creation in the "likeness" of God, the full yet sinless humanity of Christ in the Incarnation, the Holy Spirit's work in sanctifying believers into Christ's likeness, and the glorious eschatological hope of ultimate conformity to Him. It powerfully articulates the biblical call to reflect the divine character.
TRV