ὁμοίως

in like manner

Definition

ὁμοίως is an adverb meaning 'in like manner,' 'similarly,' or 'in the same way.' It is used to draw comparisons between actions, situations, or ethical instructions, indicating that something is done or should be done in a fashion analogous to what has just been described. For instance, in ethical exhortations like Luke 3:11, it links sharing food and clothing as parallel acts of generosity. In narrative, it can describe groups acting identically, such as the chief priests, scribes, and elders all mocking Jesus in Matthew 27:41. The word consistently functions to establish parallelism, whether in behavior, teaching, or circumstance.

Biblical Usage

ὁμοίως appears across the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles, with a strong presence in the Synoptic Gospels. It is frequently used in parables and teachings to extend an instruction or comparison (e.g., Mark 4:16 regarding different soils). It also appears in narrative to show groups or individuals acting in unison (Matthew 27:41; Mark 15:31). In the epistles, it is often used in ethical lists to apply the same standard to different groups, as in 1 Peter 3:7. A notable pattern is its use to create structural parallels within a passage.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ὅμοιος (homoios, G3664), meaning 'like' or 'similar.' The adverbial form ὁμοίως is created by adding the common adverbial suffix -ως. It is related to the root concept of 'sameness' or 'likeness,' sharing a connection with words like ὁμολογέω (homologeō, to confess) and ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon, with one accord). Its meaning developed straightforwardly from the adjective to denote manner or mode of action.

Semantic Range

ὁμοίως is theologically significant as a tool for ethical and doctrinal parallelism. It underscores the consistency of God's expectations, showing that principles apply equally across different scenarios or groups of people (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:1, 7). In the Gospels, it can highlight the unified rejection of Jesus by various groups, fulfilling prophetic patterns. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by revealing the author's intentional comparisons, emphasizing the universality of commands and the symmetry within God's narrative and moral framework.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of analogy and parallel action was central to rhetoric, ethics, and historical writing. Using ὁμοίως to link actions would resonate with an audience familiar with philosophical arguments from analogy and comparative examples. Its usage in the New Testament taps into this cultural understanding to make teachings more persuasive and memorable, showing that Christian ethics were not arbitrary but built upon recognizable patterns of righteous behavior.

ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs, G5615) — also means 'in like manner,' often used interchangeably but can imply a more precise 'in exactly the same way.' κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ (kata ta auta) — a phrase meaning 'according to the same things,' expressing similarity but less common as a single adverb.

Word Details

Scripture References