ἀφομοιόω (aphomoioō)
aphomoioō
to make like
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aphomoioō means to make something similar or to render it like a model. It describes the process of creating an image that corresponds closely to its original form. In biblical usage, this word emphasizes the act of copying or producing a facsimile, where the result reflects the characteristics of the source.
Its components suggest a thorough assimilation: the prefix implies completeness, while the root relates to likeness. This distinguishes it from words that might imply only superficial resemblance. The term appears in the New Testament in Hebrews 7:3 to describe Melchizedek. The text uses this verb to highlight how he is made similar to the Son of God, particularly in his lack of recorded genealogy or end of life.
This usage carries significant theological weight. By stating that Melchizedek is "made like" the Son, the author draws a typological parallel without equating them. The word underscores the precision of the comparison, showing how an earthly figure can reflect heavenly realities in specific, defining ways.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphomoioō describes a careful process of making something resemble a model closely. In Hebrews 7:3, it shows how Melchizedek reflects the Son of God in specific ways. This comparison highlights a unique typological relationship without merging their identities.
For your faith, this reminds us that earthly figures can point to heavenly realities with precision. We see God’s pattern at work when people reflect His character. Such examples encourage us to look beyond surface details and recognize deeper spiritual truths in Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- made like1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφωμοιωμένος1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:3
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
This verse uses the word to show Melchizedek’s deliberate resemblance to Christ, emphasizing his lack of recorded lineage as a key feature of that likeness.