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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies, as they often encapsulate nuanced meanings that can significantly impact interpretation. The term ὁμοιότης (homoitēs) is particularly significant because it appears in Hebrews 4:15, where it emphasizes the shared nature and experiences of Jesus with humanity. This term illustrates the concept of likeness, which is central to understanding the nature of Christ as both divine and human. By studying ὁμοιότης, we can better appreciate the theological implications of Christ’s empathy and identification with human suffering, as well as the cultural context in which these ideas were communicated in the early Christian community.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμοιότης (homoitēs) [ho-moy’-i-tace]

Etymology: The word is derived from ὅμοιος (homoios), meaning “similar” or “like,” combined with the suffix -της (-tēs), which typically denotes a state or condition. Thus, ὁμοιότης translates to “similarity” or “likeness,” indicating a shared quality or characteristic between entities.

Part of Speech: Noun; it refers to the quality or state of being similar or alike.

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Defining Meanings

Similarity

The primary meaning of ὁμοιότης is “similarity.” It captures the essence of resemblance between individuals or entities, emphasizing shared traits or characteristics.

Likeness

In addition to similarity, ὁμοιότης conveys the idea of likeness, suggesting not only that two entities share qualities but that they are comparable in essence or nature.

Commonality

The term can also imply commonality, reflecting a shared experience or condition. This usage is particularly relevant in theological discussions regarding the nature of Christ and His relationship to humanity.

Exploring Similar Words

ὅμοιος (homoios) [ho-my’-os]: This adjective means “similar” or “like.” While ὁμοιότης refers to the state of being similar, ὅμοιος describes the quality of resemblance itself.

ὁμοιοπαθής (homoipathēs) [ho-my-o-path’-ace]: This term means “similar in suffering” or “having the same passions.” Unlike ὁμοιότης, which is broader in scope, ὁμοιοπαθής focuses specifically on shared emotional or experiential states.

ἀνάλογος (analogos) [an-al’-og-os]: Meaning “analogous” or “proportional,” this term refers to a relationship of correspondence. While ὁμοιότης emphasizes similarity, ἀνάλογος highlights the specific nature of the comparison.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὁμοιότης exhibits specific morphological characteristics relevant to its grammatical use.

Case, Number, Gender: ὁμοιότης is typically used in the nominative case and can appear in both singular and plural forms. It is feminine in gender.

Declension: The term follows the patterns of the first declension in Greek. For example:

• Singular: ὁμοιότης (similarity)

• Plural: ὁμοιότητες (similarities)

For a deeper understanding of reading Greek, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various Greek lexicons reveal that ὁμοιότης plays a vital role in understanding the concepts of empathy and shared experience in biblical texts. In Hebrews 4:15, the term emphasizes Christ’s likeness to humanity, highlighting His ability to empathize with human weaknesses. Lexicons indicate that this word not only underscores the importance of shared qualities in relational dynamics but also serves to affirm the doctrine of the Incarnation in Christian theology. This understanding of ὁμοιότης enhances the interpretation of Scripture and invites deeper contemplation of the nature of Christ and His ministry.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize (ὁμοιότης) with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

• Philippians 2:7: “But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness (ὁμοιότης) of men.”

• Romans 8:3: “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness (ὁμοιότης) of sinful flesh, on account of sin; He condemned sin in the flesh.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato Republic “Justice is in its nature similar (ὁμοιότης) to the good.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “Virtue consists in finding a mean that is analogous (ὁμοιότης) to our desires.”

Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War “These factions were comparable (ὁμοιότης) to opposing armies.”

Septuagint Genesis 1:26 “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (ὁμοιότης).”

Septuagint Psalms 89:6 “For who in the heavens can be compared (ὁμοιότης) to the Lord?”

Septuagint Isaiah 46:5 “To whom will you liken Me and make Me equal (ὁμοιότης)?”

Noteworthy Summary

The term ὁμοιότης (homoitēs) signifies similarity or likeness, encapsulating themes of identity, empathy, and shared experience in both biblical and classical literature. Its occurrence in Hebrews underscores the theological significance of Christ’s identification with humanity, affirming the belief in His compassionate nature. By examining the morphological characteristics of ὁμοιότης and its connections to similar Greek terms, we deepen our understanding of its significance in the early Christian context and its relevance in the broader landscape of ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Cultural Significance of Likeness: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of likeness was important in discussions of identity, virtue, and morality, influencing social interactions and philosophical debates.

The Role of Empathy: The idea of empathy as conveyed by ὁμοιότης reflects the early Christian emphasis on understanding and sharing in the experiences of others, fostering a sense of community.

Philosophical Implications: The exploration of similarity in classical thought often intersected with ethical considerations, emphasizing the importance of shared qualities in human relationships and moral judgments.