ὁμοίως (homoiōs)
homoiōs
similarly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb homoios means "likewise" or "in the same way," serving as a linguistic bridge that connects one action or state to another. Derived from the adjective homoios ("similar"), it appears frequently in the Gospels and Epistles to draw parallels between people, events, or behaviors. In Matthew 22:39, for instance, Jesus commands love for one’s neighbor "likewise" as oneself, establishing a direct equivalence in value and treatment.
Its usage often highlights symmetry. In Luke 6:31, the Golden Rule is framed with this word: treat others "in like manner" as you wish to be treated. Similarly, John 5:19 notes that the Son does "likewise" whatever the Father does, emphasizing shared action rather than mere resemblance. The sources note it can also mean "equally," as seen in Luke 17:28, where the days of Noah are compared "likewise" to the coming of the Son of Man.
Translators sometimes render it simply as "so" or omit it when the context makes the comparison clear. Its strength lies in its precision; it does not suggest a vague similarity but a specific correspondence. Whether linking ethical commands or theological truths, homoios ensures the reader sees the intended parallel without ambiguity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word homoios acts as a gentle bridge in Scripture, connecting our actions to divine patterns or ethical standards. It does not suggest vague resemblance but specific correspondence. When Jesus speaks of loving others "likewise," He invites us into a concrete rhythm of grace that mirrors God’s own heart.
This word reminds us that faith is relational and reciprocal. In the Golden Rule, for example, we are asked to treat others exactly as we wish to be treated. It is a simple yet profound call to empathy, grounding our daily interactions in the reality that every person carries inherent dignity.
Whether linking ethical commands or theological truths, homoios ensures we see the intended parallel without ambiguity. It encourages us to look outward with the same care and attention that God shows toward us, fostering a community built on mutual respect and shared humanity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- likewise14×
- Likewise11×
- likewise.5×
- likewise,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁμοίως22×
- Ὁμοίως3×
- ὁμοίως.3×
- ὁμοίως.¶2×
- ὁμοίως,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 6:31
“As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
This verse frames the Golden Rule, using homoios to establish a direct equivalence between how we treat others and how we wish to be treated.
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John 5:19
Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.
Here the word emphasizes that the Son’s actions are not merely similar but identical in nature to the Father’s, highlighting shared divine action.
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Luke 10:37
He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Jesus commands the listener to 'do likewise,' using the term to issue a direct ethical imperative based on the example of mercy just shown.
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 significantly?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 3 verses
In the same way, the second also, and the third, to the seventh.
Matthew 26:35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
Matthew 27:41Likewise the chief priests also mocking with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said,