εἰκών

an image, likeness, bust

Definition

The Greek word εἰκών primarily means 'image,' 'likeness,' or 'representation.' In the New Testament, it often refers to a physical image, such as the portrait on a coin (Matthew 22:20, Mark 12:16). More profoundly, it describes humanity's creation in the 'image' of God (1 Corinthians 11:7) and the process of believers being conformed to the 'image' of Christ (Romans 8:29). It can also denote an idol or false representation, as when people exchanged God's glory for an 'image' resembling mortal creatures (Romans 1:23).

Biblical Usage

Εἰκών appears 20 times across the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and Revelation. In the Synoptic Gospels, it is used literally for the 'image' on a coin. Paul uses it theologically to describe: 1) humanity's original state in God's image, 2) Christ as the perfect image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15), and 3) the believer's transformation into Christ's likeness (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:49).

Etymology

Derived from the verb εἴκω (eikō), meaning 'to be like' or 'to resemble.' It shares a root with the concept of likeness and representation. The term was used in wider Greek literature for statues, portraits, and mental images, carrying into the New Testament both physical and metaphysical senses of a derived likeness.

Semantic Range

Εἰκών is central to understanding the nature of Christ, humanity, and salvation. It teaches that Christ is the exact representation of God's being (Hebrews 1:3). It grounds human dignity in being made in God's image and defines the goal of salvation as being restored and conformed to the image of Christ. This Greek term enriches reading by showing a continuum from creation to glorification through the concept of 'image-bearing.'

In the Greco-Roman world, an 'eikōn' could be a statue of a god or emperor, a portrait on a coin (claiming sovereignty), or a painted image. When Paul calls Christ the 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15), he contrasts Christ with the tangible idols familiar to his audience, asserting Christ's supremacy as the true and living representation of deity.

ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, G3667) — emphasizes 'likeness' or 'form,' often a resemblance in appearance or pattern. μορφή (morphē, G3444) — denotes the essential, abiding form or nature of something, not merely an external image. χαρακτήρ (charaktēr, G5481) — stresses an exact impression or stamp, as in Hebrews 1:3.

Word Details

Scripture References