Brief Overview of ἀφομοιόω (G871: aphomoioō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphomoioō

Root Words: Derived from apo- (from, away from) and homoioō (to make like), literally meaning “to make unlike” or “to change”.

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Primary Meanings:

• To change or alter the form or character of something.
• Used metaphorically to denote transformation or change in condition or state.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: Focuses on the transformation aspect, particularly in the sense of altering one’s nature or state.

Thayer’s: Highlights its metaphorical use in moral and spiritual contexts, emphasizing change from one moral state to another.

Vines: Discusses the figurative application to life changes driven by spiritual or ethical influences.

LSJ: Considers its usage in broader Greek literature as involving significant transformation or metamorphosis.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Aligns with BDAG, noting its thematic use in scriptural narratives involving profound change.

Bible Verses:

• Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Works: Often used to describe philosophical change or the evolution of ideas.
• Aristotle’s Ethics: Describes the process of moral development and transformation.
• Hellenistic Poetry: Used in describing the transformation of characters under divine influence.

4. Summary:

ἀφομοιόω (aphomoioō) encapsulates the concept of transformation, critical in both classical and biblical texts to depict changes in character, nature, or spiritual state. It adds depth to narratives by illustrating the journey from one state of being to another, often in pursuit of moral or spiritual ideals. The exploration of this term through scholarly lexicons like BDAG and Thayers enhances understanding of its role in depicting significant life changes and ethical metamorphoses, emphasizing its profound impact in literary and scriptural contexts.