דְּמוּת

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

Definition

The Hebrew noun דְּמוּת (dᵉmûwth) fundamentally means 'resemblance' or 'likeness.' It can refer to a concrete model or shape, as in the bronze 'model' of the sea in 2 Chronicles 4:3, or to an abstract similitude, as in the phrase 'in the likeness of God' in Genesis 1:26. Adverbially, it means 'like' or 'as,' describing how something sounds or appears, such as the 'sound like a great multitude' in Isaiah 13:4. Its meaning shifts subtly based on context, from a physical pattern to a conceptual comparison.

Biblical Usage

דְּמוּת appears 22 times across various literary contexts. In the Pentateuch, it is central to describing humanity's creation in God's 'image and likeness' (Genesis 1:26, 5:1, 5:3). In historical books, it denotes a physical model or pattern (2 Kings 16:10, 2 Chronicles 4:3). In poetic and prophetic books, it is used for comparisons, often in similes: e.g., the wicked are 'like' a deaf cobra (Psalm 58:4), or an idol is 'likened' to God (Isaiah 40:18). Its usage is evenly split between concrete 'models' and abstract 'likeness.'

Etymology

Derived from the root דָּמָה (H1819, dāmâ), meaning 'to be like' or 'to compare.' This root conveys the idea of similitude and forms other words related to likeness. דְּמוּת is a noun form that concretizes the abstract concept of resemblance, indicating a specific form, pattern, or example of that likeness.

Semantic Range

This word is profoundly significant in biblical anthropology and theology. Its use in Genesis 1:26 ('in our image, according to our likeness') is foundational for understanding humanity's unique relationship with God, denoting a representative resemblance and moral capacity. It distinguishes the biblical view from ancient Near Eastern myths where humans were mere slaves. In Genesis 5:1-3, the term also bridges the concept of God's likeness being passed from Adam to Seth, informing doctrines of human identity, sin, and redemption.

In the ancient Near East, the concept of a 'likeness' or 'image' was often tied to idolatry, where a statue represented a deity. Genesis subverts this by applying the language to living humans, not statues, establishing people as God's living representatives on earth. The word's use for architectural models (2 Chronicles 4:3) reflects a culture where precise patterns were important for sacred objects.

צֶלֶם (tselem, H6754) — Often paired with דְּמוּת (Gen 1:26), 'image' can imply a representative statue or idol, while דְּמוּת emphasizes the quality of resemblance. תַּבְנִית (tabnîyth, H8403) — 'pattern' or 'structure,' often of a building or plan, more concrete than the abstract comparison of דְּמוּת. מָשָׁל (mâshâl, H4911) — 'proverb' or 'parable,' a likeness expressed through a story or saying, whereas דְּמוּת is a direct comparison.

Word Details

Scripture References