ὁμοιόω

I make like, liken, compare

Definition

The verb ὁμοιόω means 'to make like, to liken, or to compare.' It is used in the New Testament primarily in two senses. First, it describes the act of making something similar or comparable, as when Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is 'like' a man sowing good seed (Matthew 13:24). Second, it is used in parables to introduce a comparison, such as 'the kingdom of heaven may be compared to' a king settling accounts (Matthew 18:23). In some contexts, it implies a resemblance or analogy that helps illustrate a spiritual truth.

Biblical Usage

ὁμοιόω appears 15 times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels and predominantly in Matthew (13 occurrences). It is almost always used by Jesus to introduce parables or comparisons, often with the phrase 'the kingdom of heaven is like' (e.g., Matthew 13:24, 25:1). This pattern highlights its role as a didactic tool for explaining spiritual realities through everyday analogies. Other uses include comparing people's behavior to children in the marketplace (Matthew 11:16) or likening a wise man to one who builds on rock (Matthew 7:24).

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ὅμοιος (homoios, G3664), meaning 'like' or 'similar.' The verb form ὁμοιόω literally means 'to make like' or 'to cause to resemble.' It belongs to a family of Greek words centered on similarity and comparison, such as ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, G3667), meaning 'likeness.' The root concept emphasizes establishing a parallel or analogy between two entities.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is Jesus' primary verb for introducing parables about the kingdom of God. Understanding ὁμοιόω enriches Bible reading by highlighting how Jesus used analogies to reveal divine truths in accessible terms. It underscores the pedagogical nature of his ministry and the connection between earthly experiences and heavenly realities. The word invites readers to see spiritual parallels in ordinary life, emphasizing God's immanence and the relatable nature of his kingdom.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, comparisons and analogies were common rhetorical tools used by teachers and philosophers to explain complex ideas. Jesus' use of ὁμοιόω aligns with this tradition but is distinct in its focus on the kingdom of heaven. His parables often drew from familiar cultural settings—like farming, weddings, or household management—making abstract spiritual concepts tangible to a 1st-century audience. The word's usage reflects a teaching style that was engaging and memorable within that oral culture.

παραβολή (parabolē, G3850) — a parable or illustrative story, often introduced by ὁμοιόω; παραδείκνυμι (paradeiknymi, G3856) — to show or demonstrate by comparison; ἀφομοιόω (aphomoioō, G871) — to make like or conform to, with a stronger sense of exact resemblance.

Word Details

Scripture References