ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma)
homoiōma
likeness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun homoiōma refers to a likeness, form, or representation that closely resembles another thing. In the New Testament, it appears in only six verses, primarily within Romans and Revelation. It often translates the Hebrew concept of a visible shape or figure, carrying the sense of something made to look like its source.
This word distinguishes itself by focusing on the concrete appearance rather than the abstract essence. For instance, in Philippians 2:7, it describes Christ taking the form of a servant, emphasizing His visible human condition. Similarly, Revelation 9:7 uses it to depict the horse-like appearance of locusts, highlighting their striking resemblance to war mounts.
While often paired with eikōn (image), homoiōma stresses the similarity in outward structure or nature. Romans 6:5 uses it to explain how believers are united with Christ in a way that mirrors His death and resurrection, suggesting a pattern of life that reflects His own experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word homoiōma points to a visible likeness or concrete form that reflects its source. It is not merely an abstract idea but a tangible resemblance, showing how something outwardly mirrors what it represents. In Philippians 2:7, this term describes Christ taking the form of a servant, highlighting His real human condition and humility.
This concept invites us to see how our lives can mirror Jesus’ pattern. Romans 6:5 uses homoiōma to explain that we are united with Him in the likeness of His death, suggesting a life that reflects His experience. It reminds us that faith involves becoming like Christ in visible, practical ways.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the depth of God’s work in us. Just as Christ took on human likeness to save us, we are called to reflect His character in our daily lives. This connection offers hope and a clear path for growth in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- likeness3×
- appearance1×
- a likeness1×
- [the] likeness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁμοιώματι5×
- ὁμοιώματα1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:7
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.
This verse uses homoiōma to emphasize Christ's tangible human form as a servant, showing His humility and identification with humanity.
-
Romans 6:5
For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
Here the word describes believers' union with Christ in a way that mirrors His death, pointing to a life pattern reflecting His experience.
-
Romans 8:3
For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
The term highlights that God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, emphasizing His real human nature without sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does homoiōma mean in the New Testament?
How is homoiōma different from eikōn?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Romans 4 verses
and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds,…
Romans 5:14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a…
Romans 6:5For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
Romans 8:3For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of…