from ὁμοιόω; assimilation, i.e. resemblance:--similitude.
Transliteration:homoíōsis
Pronunciation:hom-oy'-o-sis
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὁμοίωσις (homoíōsis, `{{G3669}}`) is a noun derived from the verb ὁμοιόω (homoióō, `{{G3666}}`), which means "to make like" or "to liken." Its base definition encompasses "assimilation" and "resemblance." Unlike terms that might denote a mere external form or pattern (e.g., ὁμοίωμα `{{G3667}}`), ὁμοίωσις emphasizes the *quality* or *state* of being like, or the *process* by which such a resemblance is achieved. It speaks to an intrinsic similarity or conformity, rather than just an outward appearance. The concept of "assimilation" suggests a dynamic process of becoming, or the resulting state of having become, similar in nature or character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὁμοίωσις (homoíōsis, `{{G3669}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[James 3:9]]: "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the *likeness* of God."
In this singular occurrence, ὁμοίωσις is used to describe the fundamental nature of humanity in relation to God. The context of James 3 is a discourse on the power and destructiveness of the tongue. James highlights the profound inconsistency of using the same mouth to praise God and to curse fellow human beings. The basis for this inconsistency lies in the fact that human beings bear the ὁμοίωσις of God.
This usage directly echoes the Old Testament creation narrative, particularly [[Genesis 1:26-27]], where humanity is created in God's "image" (Hebrew: *tselem*, `{{H6754}}`) and "likeness" (Hebrew: *demuth*, `{{H1823}}`). The Septuagint (LXX) frequently translates *demuth* with ὁμοίωσις. Thus, James's choice of ὁμοίωσις underscores the profound dignity and sacredness of human life, derived from its divine origin and inherent resemblance to the Creator. To curse a person is, in essence, to dishonor that which bears the very ὁμοίωσις of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms are closely related to ὁμοίωσις (homoíōsis, `{{G3669}}`) and contribute to a fuller understanding of its semantic field:
* ὁμοιόω (homoióō, `{{G3666}}`): The verbal root meaning "to make like, to liken, to resemble." This verb emphasizes the action or process of bringing something into a state of likeness.
* ὁμοίωμα (homoíōma, `{{G3667}}`): A noun meaning "likeness, resemblance, form, pattern." While similar, ὁμοίωμα often denotes a concrete representation, a copy, or an external similarity (e.g., [[Romans 1:23]] regarding idolatry, [[Romans 5:14]] concerning Adam as a "type" or "likeness" of Christ). ὁμοίωσις tends to emphasize the quality or nature of the resemblance, or the process of becoming like, more than a mere outward form.
* εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`): "Image, likeness, representation." This term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe humanity's creation in the "image of God" (e.g., [[Colossians 3:10]], [[1 Corinthians 11:7]]) and Christ as the "image of the invisible God" ([[Colossians 1:15]], [[2 Corinthians 4:4]]). In the Genesis account, *eikōn* often corresponds to the Hebrew *tselem* ("image"), while ὁμοίωσις corresponds to *demuth* ("likeness"). The pairing of "image" and "likeness" in Genesis suggests that humanity not only bears God's form or representation but also possesses an inherent quality of resemblance to Him.
The overarching concept that these words collectively illuminate is the *Imago Dei* (the image of God), which posits that humanity, uniquely among creation, bears a divine stamp, reflecting God's attributes, though marred by sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὁμοίωσις (homoíōsis, `{{G3669}}`) is profound, primarily stemming from its single, yet pivotal, occurrence in [[James 3:9]].
1. **Affirmation of Human Dignity:** The most immediate theological implication is the inherent dignity and sacredness of human life. Every human being, regardless of status, race, or moral condition, is created in the ὁμοίωσις of God. This divine resemblance bestows an intrinsic value that demands respect and forbids contempt. To curse a person is not merely to insult them, but to blaspheme the divine likeness they bear.
2. **The *Imago Dei* and its Implications:** ὁμοίωσις points directly to the concept of the *Imago Dei*. This likeness is not merely physical but encompasses moral, spiritual, and relational capacities.
* **Moral Accountability:** Bearing God's likeness implies a unique moral accountability to Him.
* **Relational Capacity:** It enables humanity to enter into a relationship with God, to know Him, and to reflect His character.
* **Stewardship:** As those who bear God's likeness, humans are entrusted with stewardship over creation, acting as God's representatives.
3. **Ethical Imperative:** James's use of ὁμοίωσις provides a powerful ethical imperative for Christian conduct. The inconsistency of blessing God while cursing His ὁμοίωσις in humanity exposes a fundamental flaw in one's spiritual integrity. True worship of God must be accompanied by a reverent respect for all people, recognizing the divine imprint upon them. This passage underscores the indivisible nature of love for God and love for neighbor.
4. **Basis for Redemption and Sanctification:** While James 3:9 focuses on creation, the broader theological concept of "likeness" is central to redemption. Through Christ, fallen humanity is offered the opportunity to be restored to God's image and likeness. The process of sanctification is, in essence, a dynamic ὁμοίωσις – a progressive conformity to the image of Christ ([[Romans 8:29]], [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]), where believers are being transformed "into the same image from one degree of glory to another." This highlights that the initial ὁμοίωσις at creation, though marred by sin, provides the foundational capacity for spiritual renewal and growth into Christlike character.
### Summary
ὁμοίωσις (homoíōsis, `{{G3669}}`) signifies "assimilation" or "resemblance," emphasizing the quality or state of being like. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its use in [[James 3:9]] is profoundly significant. There, it describes humanity as being created in the "likeness of God," directly echoing the Old Testament *Imago Dei*. This single occurrence underpins the inherent dignity and sacredness of every human being, making the act of cursing a fellow human a direct affront to God Himself. The word thus serves as a powerful theological and ethical anchor, demanding consistent reverence for God and for all those who bear His divine ὁμοίωσις.
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