The Greek word hómoios, represented by G3664, means similar in appearance or character. It appears 47 times across 43 unique verses in the Bible. This term is foundational for making comparisons, serving as a linguistic bridge to help understand divine concepts by relating them to familiar, earthly objects and experiences.
The nuance of G3664 often extends beyond mere superficial resemblance to imply a shared intrinsic quality or nature. While it denotes similarity rather than identity, it frequently suggests that the compared items belong to the same category or possess analogous characteristics that are significant for understanding. For instance, when Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as hómoios to a mustard seed or leaven, the likeness is not in physical scale or substance but in dynamic growth and pervasive influence, revealing an essential aspect of its nature. This qualitative aspect distinguishes G3664 from terms that might describe exact duplication, emphasizing instead a functional or essential correspondence.
In scripture, G3664 is frequently used in parables to explain the nature of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus repeatedly introduces these teachings with phrases like, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field" Matthew 13:44 or "is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea" Matthew 13:47. It is also used in apocalyptic visions to describe heavenly beings and objects, such as "one like unto the Son of man" Revelation 1:13 or a sea of glass "like unto crystal" Revelation 4:6. The word also defines ethical principles, as when the command to love your neighbor is described as being like the first great commandment Mark 12:31.
Beyond its use in parables and apocalyptic descriptions, G3664 also functions to establish critical distinctions regarding the nature of God and humanity. The apostle Paul employs it to highlight God's transcendence, asserting that "we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device" Acts 17:29, thereby precluding idolatrous conceptions of the divine. Conversely, Jesus uses hómoios to draw sharp moral contrasts, as when he warns the unhearing and disobedient that they are "like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth" Luke 6:49, contrasting them with the wise builder Luke 6:48. This illustrates G3664's role in delineating character and the consequences of moral choices among individuals, whether for good or ill, as also seen in the description of those who are "liar like unto you" John 8:55.
Several related words expand on the concept of similarity and comparison:
- G3666 homoióō (to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar): This verb form describes the action of making a comparison, as in "I will liken him unto a wise man" Matthew 7:24.
- G2531 kathṓs (just (or inasmuch) as, that): This term is often used to establish a standard or manner of action, such as the command to "love one another; as I have loved you" John 13:34.
- G5613 hōs (which how, i.e. in that manner): This adverb of comparison is used to link two things by likeness, such as in the description of the Word made flesh having a glory "as of the only begotten of the Father" John 1:14.
- G3668 homoíōs (likewise, similarly): This adverb indicates a parallel manner or action, signifying that something occurs or is done in a way that is comparable or corresponding to what has just been mentioned, thereby reinforcing the concept of similarity in execution or circumstance.
The theological weight of G3664 is significant, as it helps reveal spiritual truths.
- Illustrating the Kingdom: The term is critical to the parables, where abstract concepts about the kingdom of God are made concrete. It is described as being like a mustard seed Matthew 13:31, leaven Matthew 13:33, and a householder hiring laborers Matthew 20:1.
- Describing the Indescribable: In the book of Revelation, G3664 is essential for conveying the appearance of divine and celestial realities. The Son of God has feet "like fine brass" Revelation 2:18, and the New Jerusalem's light is "like unto a stone most precious" Revelation 21:11.
- Defining Sanctification: The word points to the ultimate goal of believers. The promise that "we shall be like him" establishes a future hope of transformation and conformity to the character of Christ 1 John 3:2.
- Establishing Moral Categories: G3664 is used to group behaviors, as when a list of sins is followed by the warning "and such like," indicating that similar actions will prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God Galatians 5:21.
- Affirming Divine Incomparability: G3664 is employed to underscore the unique and transcendent nature of God, asserting what the divine is not like. In Acts 17:29, the term is used to declare that the Godhead cannot be likened to man-made idols of material substance, thereby guarding against anthropomorphic or materialistic understandings of God and establishing His distinct otherness and supreme uniqueness.
The Greek term G3664 hómoios serves as a profound linguistic tool in the New Testament, extending far beyond a simple expression of comparison. It is fundamentally about articulating qualitative similarity rather than identical replication, enabling the biblical authors to bridge the gap between human experience and divine realities. This nuance allows for the effective communication of abstract spiritual truths by relating them to familiar earthly concepts, emphasizing shared characteristics or analogous functions rather than mere superficial resemblance.
This word is crucial in the parables of Jesus, where the kingdom of heaven is made comprehensible through comparisons to everyday phenomena like a mustard seed Matthew 13:31 or leaven Matthew 13:33. It is equally vital in apocalyptic literature, where G3664 provides a vocabulary for describing the indescribable, giving form to celestial beings and divine glory, such as the Son of Man's appearance Revelation 1:13 or the New Jerusalem's radiant light Revelation 21:11. Furthermore, hómoios is instrumental in establishing moral and ethical frameworks, from the command to love one's neighbor as oneself Mark 12:31 to warnings against behaviors "and such like" that preclude inheriting the kingdom of God Galatians 5:21.
Beyond these illustrative and descriptive functions, G3664 plays a significant role in delineating the very nature of God and humanity. It is used to affirm God's transcendence and incomparability, asserting that the divine cannot be likened to finite, created things Acts 17:29. Conversely, it highlights the moral likeness or unlikeness among people, contrasting the wise and foolish in their actions Luke 6:48-49 and even exposing the character of those who are "liar like unto you" John 8:55. Ultimately, hómoios points to the believer's ultimate hope of eschatological transformation, when "we shall be like him" upon Christ's appearing 1 John 3:2, signifying a profound conformity to His character and glory.
In sum, G3664 is a cornerstone of biblical pedagogy, shaping understanding of God's kingdom, conveying visions of the divine, guiding ethical conduct, and articulating the believer's future hope. By carefully distinguishing between similarity and identity, hómoios provides a robust framework for translating the ineffable into accessible human terms, profoundly impacting theological comprehension and spiritual formation.
TRV