ὅμοιος (homoios)
homoios
like
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective homoios means "like" or "similar," describing things that share a resemblance in form, nature, or character. It appears frequently in the New Testament to draw comparisons, such as when Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31) or when John describes the living creatures in Revelation as resembling a lion and an ox (Revelation 4:7). The word covers both physical appearance and abstract qualities, allowing writers to link distinct subjects through shared traits.
A notable feature of its usage is how it functions in parables and visions. In Matthew 13, Jesus uses homoios repeatedly to illustrate spiritual truths through everyday objects like yeast and hidden treasure. In Revelation, the term helps John translate overwhelming visual experiences into understandable images, describing figures that are "like" gold or have eyes "like" flames. This flexibility allows the text to convey similarity without claiming exact identity.
The word’s versatility is evident in its grammatical range. It can modify physical attributes, as when Jesus notes his neighbors looked like him (John 9:9), or describe moral conditions, such as believers becoming "like" Christ in nature (1 John 3:2). Translators often render it simply as "like," though the context determines whether the comparison is visual, functional, or ethical. Its consistent presence across Gospels and Revelation highlights its role in bridging the earthly and the divine through analogy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word homoios helps us understand how God uses familiar things to reveal spiritual truths. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently compares the Kingdom of Heaven to everyday items like mustard seeds or yeast. These comparisons show that God’s work often starts small and grows quietly, transforming lives from the inside out without demanding immediate attention.
This similarity also guides our daily walk with Christ. When we hear His words and live by them, we become like a house built on solid rock. This foundation provides stability when life brings storms. It reminds us that faith is not just about knowing facts, but about building a life that can withstand pressure through trust in Jesus.
Ultimately, this word points to our future hope. Scripture tells us that one day we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is. This promise gives comfort today, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that we are being shaped into His image. It invites us to rest in the certainty of God’s transforming grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like26×
- Like9×
- like.2×
- [was] like2×
- [is] like2×
- [are] like2×
- like?1×
- in like1×
- [One] like1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁμοία13×
- ὅμοιον8×
- ὅμοιος7×
- ὅμοιοι5×
- ὅμοιός3×
- ὅμοια3×
- Ὁμοία1×
- ὅμοιοί1×
- ὅμοιος.1×
- ὅμοιον.1×
- ὅμοιοι;1×
- ὅμοιαι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:31
He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took, and sowed in his field,
This verse uses homoios to illustrate how the Kingdom of Heaven begins with something tiny yet possesses immense potential for growth.
-
Luke 6:48
He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.
Here the word describes the stability of a believer who builds their life on Jesus, showing that obedience provides protection during trials.
-
I John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is.
This occurrence looks forward to our ultimate transformation, stating that we will become like Christ when we see Him in His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does homoios mean in the New Testament?
How is homoios different from other words for 'like'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 9 verses
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their…
Matthew 13:31He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took,…
Matthew 13:33He spoke another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast which a woman took and hid in three measures of…
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 13:45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Matthew 13:47“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Matthew 13:52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 22:39A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’