### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παρομοιάζω (paromoiázō, `{{G3945}}`) is derived from παρόμοιος (paromoios), meaning "similar, like, resembling." The prefix παρα- (para-) in this context intensifies the idea of likeness, suggesting a close or striking resemblance, often "alongside" or "in parallel with" something else. The root ὅμοιος (homoios) itself signifies "like" or "similar." Therefore, παρομοιάζω conveys the nuanced meaning of "to be very much like," "to closely resemble," or "to be comparable to." It implies a strong degree of similarity, used to draw a pointed analogy or comparison.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρομοιάζω occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 23:27]]: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." (οἱ παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις)
In this singular instance, Jesus employs παρομοιάζω in a powerful and scathing simile directed at the scribes and Pharisees. The phrase "οἱ παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις" (you who resemble whitewashed tombs) is a direct indictment of their spiritual state. Whitewashed tombs were kept clean and visible to prevent accidental defilement by those who might touch them unknowingly, especially during Passover. Outwardly, they were pristine; inwardly, they contained decay and defilement. The use of παρομοιάζω here emphasizes that the resemblance is not superficial but profound and damning. It highlights the stark contrast between the religious leaders' external show of piety and their internal corruption, mirroring the hidden defilement within the tombs. The choice of this specific verb underscores the precise and disturbing nature of their resemblance to these outwardly clean but inwardly defiled structures.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic proximity or conceptual overlap with παρομοιάζω:
* ὅμοιος (homoios, `{{G3664}}`): The adjectival root meaning "like, similar," from which παρομοιάζω is built.
* ὁμοιόω (homoioō, `{{G3666}}`): A more general verb meaning "to make like, to liken, to resemble." παρομοιάζω suggests a more intense or specific resemblance than ὁμοιόω.
* ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, `{{G3667}}`): A noun meaning "likeness, resemblance, form."
* εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`): An "image" or "likeness," often implying a close and true representation of an original.
* The concept of "hypocrisy" (ὑπόκρισις, hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`) is inextricably linked to the context of παρομοιάζω in [[Matthew 23:27]]. The word itself describes the very nature of the hypocrisy: an outward appearance that closely "resembles" purity, while the inner reality closely "resembles" defilement.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of παρομοιάζω in [[Matthew 23:27]] is replete with profound theological significance. It is embedded within Jesus' most severe condemnations of the religious elite, serving as a powerful illustration of the danger of spiritual hypocrisy. The comparison to "whitewashed tombs" highlights the critical biblical emphasis on internal righteousness over mere external observance. This passage underscores the truth that God scrutinizes the heart ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]) and that true defilement originates from within ([[Matthew 15:18-19]]). The use of παρομοιάζω accentuates the deceptive nature of the scribes and Pharisees, whose outward religious conformity was a mere facade for inner corruption. Theologically, it serves as a stark warning against self-deception and the attempt to deceive God or others through outward show. For believers, it is a call to genuine integrity and authenticity in faith, urging a life where one's inner spiritual state is congruent with one's outward profession, rather than merely "resembling" godliness without its transforming power.
### Summary
The Greek verb παρομοιάζω (paromoiázō, `{{G3945}}`) denotes a strong and precise resemblance, meaning "to be like unto" or "to closely resemble." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 23:27]], is profoundly impactful. In this verse, Jesus employs παρομοιάζω to liken the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees to "whitewashed tombs"—outwardly beautiful and clean, but inwardly filled with death and uncleanness. This vivid simile, utilizing the emphatic nature of παρομοιάζω, powerfully exposes the deceitful essence of hypocrisy, where an external display of piety masks internal spiritual corruption. The word thus underscores a crucial theological truth: God values genuine, internal righteousness above all outward religious performance, serving as a timeless warning against the perils of spiritual pretense.
TRV