### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3666}}` (homoióō) derives from the adjective `{{G3664}}` (homoios), meaning "like" or "similar." As a verb, `{{G3666}}` carries a dual semantic range:
1. **Active Voice:** "to make like," "to liken," "to compare," or "to assimilate." In this sense, an agent causes something to resemble another.
2. **Passive Voice:** "to be made like," "to become similar," or "to resemble." Here, the subject undergoes a change, coming to possess qualities or characteristics that align with something else.
The core meaning emphasizes correspondence, analogy, or conformity, rather than absolute identity. It denotes a shared quality or characteristic that allows for comparison or identification, often for illustrative or transformative purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G3666}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels, highlighting its role in Jesus' teaching.
A prominent usage is found in the parables of the Kingdom of Heaven, where Jesus often introduces his illustrations with phrases like "The kingdom of heaven is like..." (e.g., [[Matthew 13:24]], [[Matthew 13:31]], [[Matthew 13:33]], [[Matthew 13:44]], [[Matthew 13:45]], [[Matthew 13:47]]). This consistent phrasing indicates that the parables are not literal descriptions but rather analogies designed to help listeners grasp the nature of the Kingdom by comparing it to familiar earthly realities. The Kingdom is *likened* to a sower, a mustard seed, leaven, treasure, a pearl, or a net, emphasizing its characteristics through resemblance.
In other contexts, `{{G3666}}` is used for direct comparison:
* [[Matthew 7:24]] and [[Matthew 7:26]]: Jesus likens those who hear and obey his words to a "wise man" who builds on rock, and those who hear but do not obey to a "foolish man" who builds on sand. Here, the verb establishes a direct parallel between the action (obedience/disobedience) and the outcome (stability/collapse).
* [[Matthew 11:16]]: Jesus asks, "To what shall I liken this generation?" before describing their inconsistent behavior, illustrating their resistance to both John the Baptist and himself.
* [[Matthew 6:8]]: Jesus instructs his disciples, "Do not be like them," referring to the Gentiles who pray with "many words." This is a negative command, urging distinctiveness in prayer practices and warning against imitating pagan superficiality.
* [[Romans 9:29]]: Paul quotes Isaiah, stating that if the Lord of hosts had not left a remnant, "we would have been like Sodom and been made like Gomorrah." This powerful use of the passive voice highlights divine judgment and the mercy of God in preserving a remnant, preventing Israel from suffering the same fate as these notoriously wicked cities.
* [[Hebrews 2:17]]: This verse is profoundly significant: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Here, `{{G3666}}` in the passive voice describes the incarnation of Christ. He was "made like" humanity, not just in outward appearance, but "in every respect" (κατὰ πάντα), signifying a full identification with the human condition (sin apart). This likeness was essential for His role as High Priest and for accomplishing atonement.
* [[Revelation 1:13]]: John describes his vision of Christ, seeing "one like a son of man" (ὅμοιον υἱὸν ἀνθρώπου). This use of the related adjective `{{G3664}}` (homoios) and the concept of likeness underscores the paradoxical nature of the glorified Christ, who retains His humanity while radiating divine glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G3666}}` is part of a family of words derived from the root `{{G3664}}` (homoios, "like, similar"). Key related terms include:
* `{{G3667}}` (homoiōma): This noun means "likeness," "form," "semblance," or "image." It often denotes a resemblance that may or may not be intrinsic. For example, in [[Romans 1:23]], humans exchanged the glory of God for "the likeness of an image of mortal man," suggesting a mere resemblance rather than a true representation. In [[Romans 8:3]], Christ came "in the likeness of sinful flesh," indicating His full humanity without Himself being sinful. In [[Philippians 2:7]], Christ was found "in human likeness," emphasizing His true humanity.
* `{{G3668}}` (homoiōsis): This noun means "likeness" or "assimilation," emphasizing the process or state of becoming like.
* `{{G1504}}` (eikōn): While sometimes translated as "likeness," `{{G1504}}` (eikōn) typically implies a more profound and intrinsic "image" or "representation" that shares the essence of the original (e.g., humans created in the `{{G1504}}` of God, [[Genesis 1:26-27]]; Christ as the `{{G1504}}` of the invisible God, [[Colossians 1:15]]). `{{G3666}}` and its cognates often describe a resemblance or comparison, whereas `{{G1504}}` can suggest an ontological identity or representation.
* `{{G3444}}` (morphē): "Form" or "shape," particularly in [[Philippians 2:6-7]], where Christ, "though he was in the form of God... took the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." This highlights a change in outward manifestation while retaining essential nature.
* Concepts of imitation, conformity, identification, comparison, and illustration are all interwoven with the semantic field of `{{G3666}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3666}}` is multifaceted:
* **The Incarnation:** [[Hebrews 2:17]] is arguably the most profound theological application of `{{G3666}}`. Christ's being "made like his brothers in every respect" underscores the reality of His full humanity. This likeness was not superficial; it was a necessary condition for Him to serve as a sympathetic and effective High Priest, capable of making propitiation for sins due to His shared experience of human life and temptation (apart from sin). It speaks to the depth of God's condescension and identification with humanity.
* **Understanding the Kingdom of God:** The pervasive use of `{{G3666}}` in the Kingdom parables in Matthew reveals a crucial pedagogical principle. Spiritual realities, particularly the mysterious and unfolding nature of God's reign, are often best understood through earthly analogies. The Kingdom is not *identical* to a mustard seed or leaven, but it possesses *qualities like* them (growth, pervasive influence), making divine truths accessible to human understanding.
* **Ethical Distinction:** The negative command in [[Matthew 6:8]] ("Do not be like them") highlights the call for believers to live distinctively from the world. True worship and righteous living are not to mimic the practices of those outside the covenant, but to reflect a transformed heart and a unique relationship with God.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** In [[Romans 9:29]], the passive "would have been made like Gomorrah" emphasizes God's sovereign power to judge and His merciful preservation of a remnant. It shows that God's actions prevent His people from fully conforming to the pattern of judgment experienced by the ungodly.
* **Christological Imagery:** In visions like [[Revelation 1:13]], the description of Christ as "one like a son of man" maintains both His divine majesty and His identifiable humanity, a critical balance in understanding His person.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G3666}}` (homoióō) signifies "to make like" or "to become like," emphasizing similarity, comparison, or assimilation rather than absolute identity. Its biblical usage is rich and diverse, ranging from simple comparative statements in Jesus' parables to profound theological declarations concerning the person of Christ.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it frequently introduces parables of the Kingdom of Heaven, illustrating complex spiritual realities through accessible earthly analogies. It also appears in ethical warnings, urging believers not to emulate the patterns of the world. Most significantly, in [[Hebrews 2:17]], `{{G3666}}` articulates the essential truth of Christ's incarnation, where He was "made like" humanity in every respect, a necessary condition for His role as High Priest and Redeemer. Thus, `{{G3666}}` underscores the principles of divine condescension, pedagogical revelation, ethical distinction, and God's sovereign preservation.
TRV