ἀφομοιόω

I assimilate, make like to

Definition

The verb ἀφομοιόω means 'to make like,' 'to assimilate,' or 'to cause to resemble.' It carries the sense of creating a likeness or comparison between two entities, often implying a deliberate representation. In its sole biblical occurrence in Hebrews 7:3, it is used to describe how Melchizedek was 'made like' or 'assimilated to' the Son of God, indicating a divinely orchestrated typological resemblance. There are no other distinct biblical senses, as it appears only once.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:3. It describes the priest-king Melchizedek as being 'made like' (ἀφομοιωμένος) the Son of God. The context is the author's argument for Christ's superior, eternal priesthood, using Melchizedek as a type or foreshadowing. The usage is highly theological and comparative, central to the epistle's Christological argument.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, often intensifying) and the verb ὁμοιόω (homoióō, 'to make like, to liken'). ὁμοιόω itself comes from ὅμοιος (homoios, 'like, similar'). Thus, ἀφομοιόω intensifies the idea of making something similar, emphasizing a thorough assimilation or representation.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors the typological connection between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ in Hebrews 7. Understanding that Melchizedek was 'made like' the Son of God enriches the reading by showing this was not a random historical parallel but a divinely intended prefiguration. It underscores the author's argument for Christ's unique, eternal priesthood, which surpasses the Levitical order. The Greek term highlights the intentionality behind this biblical typology.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of creating likenesses (e.g., in art, rhetoric, or philosophy) was common. The author of Hebrews uses this precise term to construct a sophisticated theological comparison for a Hellenistic Jewish audience familiar with such conceptual parallels. It leverages a cultural understanding of representation to explain a complex Old Testament figure in light of Christ.

ὁμοιόω (homoióō, G3666) — the simpler base verb meaning 'to make like' or 'to compare,' without the intensive prefix. εἰκών (eikōn, G1504) — refers to an 'image' or 'likeness' as a noun, rather than the act of making similar.

Word Details

Scripture References