ὁμοιότης (homoiotēs)
homoiotēs
likeness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun homoiotēs denotes a state of likeness or resemblance between two things. Derived from the adjective homoios, it describes the quality of being similar in nature or character. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the Epistle to the Hebrews, where it serves as a key conceptual link in the author’s argument about Jesus.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of parallel rather than identical identity. In Hebrews 7:15, the text speaks of a high priest arising "after the likeness" of Melchizedek, emphasizing that Jesus shares the essential nature and order of this ancient figure without being him. Similarly, Hebrews 4:15 uses the phrase "in like manner" to describe how Jesus was tempted in every respect, underscoring his shared human experience while maintaining his sinlessness.
This word allows the biblical writer to establish a theological bridge. It permits comparison between the old covenant priesthood and the new, showing continuity in function and humanity while pointing to a superior reality. The term captures the idea of representative similarity, where one figure stands in for another based on shared attributes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word homoiotēs speaks to the quiet reality of shared experience. It describes a likeness that connects two distinct things without making them identical. In Hebrews, this term bridges the gap between Jesus and humanity. He is not merely distant or different; He stands in solidarity with us through genuine human experience.
This connection matters deeply for your faith. Because Jesus shares our nature, He understands our struggles from the inside. He faced temptation just as we do, yet remained without sin. This likeness means you are never alone in your trials. A High Priest who truly knows what it is to feel weak can offer real comfort and help.
When you look at Jesus, you see someone who has walked the same path you are on. This shared humanity invites you to bring your honest struggles to Him. He does not judge from afar but empathizes from within. His likeness to us is the foundation for our confidence in approaching God with peace and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- likeness1×
- [the] same way1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁμοιότητα2×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 4:15
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
This verse uses the concept of likeness to affirm that Jesus experienced human temptation fully, establishing His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses while remaining sinless.
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Hebrews 7:15
This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
Here the term highlights that Jesus’ priesthood follows the pattern of Melchizedek, showing a theological continuity that surpasses the old covenant order without being identical to it.