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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies, as they provide deeper insights into the texts’ meanings and cultural contexts. The term ὁμοίως (homoiōs) is particularly significant in New Testament interpretation, where it appears in Matthew 22:26. This adverb conveys the idea of similarity or likeness and plays a crucial role in understanding the relationships between concepts, actions, and characters in Scripture. Its relevance extends to ancient Greek culture, where the expression of similarity informed philosophical discussions and artistic representations.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμοίως (homoiōs) [ho-my’-os]

Etymology: The word is derived from ὁμοῖος (homoios), meaning “like” or “similar.” The suffix -ως (-ōs) indicates an adverbial form, transforming the adjective into an adverb that expresses the manner or degree of similarity.

Part of Speech: Adverb; it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating similarity in action or state.

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Defining Meanings

Similarly

The primary meaning of ὁμοίως is “similarly,” indicating that something is done in a manner akin to something else. This usage often connects actions or events that bear a resemblance to one another.

Likewise

Another interpretation is “likewise,” which reinforces the idea of agreement or uniformity in behavior or circumstance. This meaning is particularly relevant in discussions or arguments, suggesting that if one action is true, then a related action should also be considered true.

In the Same Way

Additionally, ὁμοίως can be understood as “in the same way,” emphasizing that two situations or actions share a significant degree of similarity, leading to similar conclusions or results.

Exploring Similar Words

ὁμοῖος (homoios) [ho-my’-os]: This adjective means “like” or “similar.” While ὁμοίως functions as an adverb to describe how something is done, ὁμοῖος describes the inherent quality of being similar.

παρόμοιος (paromoios) [par-o-my’-os]: This term also means “similar” or “resembling,” but often carries a nuance of being somewhat akin yet not identical, providing a more nuanced distinction compared to ὁμοίως.

ἀναλογῶς (analogōs) [an-al-og’-os]: Meaning “in proportion” or “analogously,” this adverb implies a relationship of correspondence between two entities. It differs from ὁμοίως, which focuses on similarity rather than proportionality.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, ὁμοίως has specific morphological characteristics relevant to its grammatical use.

• Form: It remains unchanged regardless of case, number, or gender, as adverbs do not decline.

• Usage: It modifies verbs or adjectives, contributing to the overall meaning of a phrase or sentence.

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 the versatility of ὁμοίως in expressing similarity within different contexts. Its usage in Matthew 22:26 emphasizes the analogy drawn by the speakers in relation to similar scenarios or arguments. In this case, the term helps illustrate how similar situations can yield comparable conclusions or responses.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 22:26: “In the same way (ὁμοίως) the second, and the third, down to the seventh.” (The Greek word indicates that the same action occurred similarly across multiple examples.)

• Mark 14:29: “But Peter said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.’” (Here, the implication of similarity can be drawn regarding the reactions of the disciples.)

• Luke 12:1: “In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, ‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.’” (Indicating similar characteristics within the crowd.)

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato The Republic “And in this way (ὁμοίως), we will find the essence of justice.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “Virtue is similar (ὁμοίως) to the mean between excess and deficiency.”

Herodotus Histories “In the same manner (ὁμοίως) that they worship their gods.”

Septuagint Genesis 6:12 “And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way (ὁμοίως) upon the earth.”

Septuagint Isaiah 40:18 “To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness (ὁμοίως) will you compare to Him?”

Septuagint Psalms 115:8 “Those who make them become like them (ὁμοίως), and so do all who trust in them.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term ὁμοίως (homoiōs) signifies similarity or likeness and serves as an essential adverb in biblical discourse. In Matthew 22:26, it underscores the connections between various situations, emphasizing the importance of analogy and similarity in understanding and interpretation. By examining its morphological features and relationships to similar Greek words, we can appreciate its significance in both the New Testament context and the broader scope of classical Greek literature.

Did You Know?

Similar Adverbial Use: ὁμοίως is often used in contexts where comparisons are made, indicating that various subjects or actions share common characteristics.

Philosophical Roots: The concept of similarity has deep roots in Greek philosophy, influencing discussions about ethics, morality, and human nature.

Theological Importance: In theological contexts, understanding ὁμοίως enriches discussions about the nature of God, humanity, and the relational dynamics between them, highlighting the importance of accurate representation and understanding in worship and doctrine.