ὁμοιότης
likeness, resemblance
Definition
ὁμοιότης refers to a state of likeness, similarity, or resemblance between two things. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes a close correspondence or parallel nature, not an exact identity. In Hebrews 4:15, it describes Jesus being 'in all points tempted like as we are,' emphasizing a shared experience of testing. In Hebrews 7:15, it refers to another priest arising 'in the likeness of Melchizedek,' indicating a priestly order that corresponds to or resembles that ancient figure.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Book of Hebrews. Its usage is theological and comparative, drawing parallels to explain Christ's nature and priesthood. In Hebrews 4:15, it highlights the reality of Christ's human experience. In Hebrews 7:15, it establishes a typological connection between Christ's priesthood and that of Melchizedek.
Etymology
Derived from the adjective ὅμοιος (homoios, G3664), meaning 'like' or 'similar.' The suffix '-της' (-tēs) forms an abstract noun indicating a state or quality. Thus, ὁμοιότης literally means 'the quality of being like.' It is related to the more common verb ὁμοιόω (homoióō, G3666), 'to make like' or 'to compare.'
Semantic Range
This word is crucial for understanding the nature of Christ's incarnation and priesthood. In Hebrews 4:15, it assures believers that Christ fully shares in human weakness, making him a sympathetic high priest. In Hebrews 7:15, it connects Christ's eternal priesthood to a pre-law, kingly archetype (Melchizedek), showing its superiority to the Levitical order. Understanding this Greek term clarifies that Christ's likeness involves real similarity, not mere appearance.
In Greek thought, concepts of likeness and resemblance were important in philosophy (e.g., Plato's theory of forms) and rhetoric for making comparisons. The author of Hebrews uses this precise term to build a careful argument for a Jewish-Christian audience familiar with priestly typology and the need for a mediator who is both divinely appointed and genuinely acquainted with human struggle.
εἰκών (eikōn, G1504) — denotes an 'image' or 'representation,' often with a stronger sense of derived likeness. ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma, G3667) — emphasizes the result of making similar, a 'likeness' or 'form.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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