ὁμοίωμα

a likeness, form, similitude

Definition

ὁμοίωμα refers to a likeness, resemblance, or form that closely corresponds to an original. In the New Testament, it carries two primary senses. First, it denotes a physical or representational likeness, such as the 'likeness' of animals and creatures that humans wrongly worship (Romans 1:23). Second, and more theologically significant, it describes a state of being or a form that is substantially identified with something else, such as being in the 'likeness' of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3) or taking the 'form' of a servant (Philippians 2:7). In Romans 5:14, it describes Adam as a 'type' or pattern of Christ, a representative likeness.

Biblical Usage

This word is used six times, primarily in Paul's letters (Romans, Philippians) and once in Revelation. In Romans, it is used to contrast human idolatry with divine reality (Romans 1:23), to describe Adam as a pattern of Christ (Romans 5:14), to speak of our union with Christ in His death (Romans 6:5), and to explain Christ's incarnation in human nature (Romans 8:3). In Philippians 2:7, it highlights Christ's voluntary taking of a servant's form. In Revelation 9:7, it describes the frightening 'likeness' of locusts to warhorses, emphasizing a visual resemblance.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ὁμοιόω (homoioō, G3666), meaning 'to make like' or 'to be similar to.' The suffix -μα (-ma) indicates the result of an action, so ὁμοίωμα essentially means 'that which has been made like' or 'a thing made similar.' It is related to the adjective ὅμοιος (homoios, G3664), meaning 'like' or 'similar.' The word group emphasizes correspondence and resemblance.

Semantic Range

ὁμοίωμα is theologically crucial for understanding Christ's incarnation and humanity's relationship to Adam. In Romans 8:3 and Philippians 2:7, it conveys that Christ took on genuine human nature—the 'likeness' of sinful flesh and a servant's form—yet without sin Himself, affirming His full identification with humanity for redemption. In Romans 5:14, it establishes Adam as a representative 'likeness' of Christ, foundational to the biblical theme of federal headship. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Christ's humanity was real and representative, not merely an appearance.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'likeness' (ὁμοίωμα) was important in philosophy and art, dealing with representation versus reality. Idols were seen as 'likenesses' of gods, which Paul critiques in Romans 1:23. The term also resonated in contexts discussing forms, patterns, and imitations, which informs its use for Adam as a pattern of Christ. The modern idea of a 'copy' or 'image' can be more superficial; the ancient usage could imply a substantive correspondence or representative form.

εἰκών (eikōn, G1504) — an image or representation, often with a sense of derived authority (e.g., Christ is the image of God). τύπος (typos, G5179) — a type, pattern, or model, emphasizing a prefiguring or example. μορφή (morphē, G3444) — the essential form or nature, often internal (used closely with ὁμοίωμα in Philippians 2:6-7).

Word Details

Scripture References