from παρά and ὅμοιος; alike nearly, i.e. similar:--like.
Transliteration:parómoios
Pronunciation:par-om'-oy-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παρόμοιος (G3946), transliterated as *parómoios*, is a compound term derived from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "near," and the adjective ὅμοιος (homoios, `{{G3664}}`), meaning "like," "similar," or "of the same kind." The combination yields a nuanced meaning of "nearly alike," "similar to," or "resembling." It implies a close qualitative resemblance rather than an absolute identity or an exact replica. The prefix παρά emphasizes proximity in likeness, suggesting that while there is a strong similarity, there may still be distinguishing features or a degree of difference. This distinguishes it from a simple statement of sameness, highlighting a profound and purposeful approximation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παρόμοιος (G3946) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Hebrews 2:17]]**: "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made παρόμοιος (like) unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
In this pivotal verse, the author of Hebrews employs παρόμοιος to describe the necessity of Christ's incarnation. For Jesus to effectively fulfill His role as High Priest, it was imperative that He be made "like" His human brethren in "all things." This likeness is not merely superficial but refers to His full participation in human nature, including flesh and blood ([[Hebrews 2:14]]) and the experience of temptation and suffering ([[Hebrews 2:18]]). The choice of παρόμοιος over ὅμοιος might subtly emphasize that while He was truly human, sharing in the human condition, He was nevertheless distinct in His sinlessness and divine nature. His likeness was sufficient for identification and empathy, enabling Him to truly represent humanity before God and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice. The context underscores that this human identification was a prerequisite for His priestly ministry, allowing Him to be both "merciful" (sympathetic to human weakness) and "faithful" (true to God's purpose).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of παρόμοιος is closely related to other Greek words expressing similarity and likeness:
* ὅμοιος (homoios, `{{G3664}}`): The base word, meaning "like" or "similar." παρόμοιος intensifies this by adding the nuance of "nearly" or "closely" alike, suggesting a very strong resemblance.
* ὁμοιόω (homoioō, `{{G3666}}`): A verb meaning "to make like" or "to liken."
* ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, `{{G3667}}`): A noun meaning "likeness," "resemblance," or "form." For instance, Christ came "in the likeness of sinful flesh" ([[Romans 8:3]]), indicating a true humanity that was not sinful itself but resembled sinful humanity in its form.
* παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`): The preposition "beside," "alongside," "near." This component in παρόμοιος highlights the proximity of the likeness, emphasizing that the resemblance is close and significant.
The theological concepts intertwined with παρόμοιος include the Incarnation, Christ's identification with humanity, His High Priestly ministry, and the nature of the Atonement.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of παρόμοιος in [[Hebrews 2:17]] carries immense theological weight, particularly for Christology and Soteriology:
1. **The Reality of the Incarnation:** The word affirms the genuine and profound humanity of Jesus Christ. He was not merely appearing to be human, but truly became παρόμοιος (like) His human brethren in every essential respect. This likeness involved sharing in their vulnerability, suffering, and mortality, yet without succumbing to sin. This true humanity was indispensable for His mission.
2. **Necessity for High Priesthood:** The author of Hebrews explicitly states that this likeness was "necessary" (*opheilen*). Because Jesus intimately experienced the human condition, He could truly sympathize with human weaknesses and temptations ([[Hebrews 4:15]]). This empathetic understanding, born of shared experience, qualified Him to be a "merciful" High Priest. His identification with humanity, yet without sin, also made Him a "faithful" High Priest, perfectly representing both God to humanity and humanity to God.
3. **Foundation for Atonement:** Christ's παρόμοιος identification with humanity was crucial for His atoning work. To make propitiation for sins, He had to be able to represent humanity as a sinless sacrifice. His true humanity allowed Him to stand in solidarity with those He came to save, while His divine nature and sinless life ensured the efficacy and perfection of His sacrifice. The "nearly alike" aspect subtly preserves His unique status as the God-man, truly human yet distinct from sinful humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word παρόμοιος (G3946), meaning "nearly alike" or "closely similar," is a significant term found only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Hebrews 2:17]]. It describes the essential nature of Christ's incarnation, emphasizing that He was made παρόμοιος (like) His human brethren in all things. This profound identification with humanity, while preserving His sinlessness, was absolutely necessary for Him to serve as a merciful and faithful High Priest. His ability to empathize with human weakness, stemming from His shared experience, enabled Him to effectively make propitiation for sins. Thus, παρόμοιος underscores the reality of Christ's humanity, the empathetic nature of His high priestly ministry, and the foundational necessity of the Incarnation for the work of atonement.
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