Brief Overview of παρομοιάζω (Strong’s G3945: paromoiazō)

Strong’s G3945: A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ὁμοιάζω (to be like), meaning “to be like, to resemble closely.” Used in Matthew 23:27 in Jesus’s critique of religious hypocrisy. Emphasizes close but superficial resemblance, particularly in contexts of spiritual pretense versus reality.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρομοιάζω describes close resemblance, often with implications of superficial similarity. In its sole New Testament usage, Jesus employs it to compare hypocritical religious leaders to whitewashed tombs, emphasizing outward appearance versus inner reality. The compound structure suggests placement alongside for comparison. Early church fathers used this term to discuss spiritual authenticity versus mere appearance. Today, it remains relevant in discussions of genuine versus superficial spirituality.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρομοιάζω, paromoiazō, /par-om-oy-AD-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + om + oy + AD (stressed) + zo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ὁμοιάζω (homoiazō): to be like
• -ζω (-zō): verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To be like
• To resemble closely
• To compare with

For compound words:
παρα- adds the sense of placement alongside to ὁμοιάζω’s meaning of similarity, emphasizing close comparison

Translation Options:

• “To resemble” – emphasizes similarity
• “To be like” – maintains simplicity
• “To compare with” – stresses comparative aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμοιόω (homoioō) /hom-oy-OH-oh/ – to make like, more active
• εἰκάζω (eikazō) /ay-KAD-zo/ – to liken, more general
• παραβάλλω (paraballō) /par-ab-AL-lo/ – to compare, more active comparison

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρομοιάζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 2nd plural
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples:
παρομοιάζω (I resemble)
παρομοιάζετε (you resemble)
παρομοιάζων (resembling)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes comparison aspect. Thayer’s notes its use in critique. LSJ documents classical usage for close resemblance. Vine’s highlights its usage in moral contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its appearance in comparative literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you [παρομοιάζω] are like whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρομοιάζω emphasizes close but potentially superficial resemblance, particularly significant in contexts of spiritual authenticity versus mere appearance.

D – Did You Know?

• The term appears in ancient rhetorical discussions
• It influenced early Christian discussions of authenticity
• The word appears in discussions of mimicry versus genuine imitation

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with ὁμοιάζω (to be like), meaning “to be like, to resemble closely.” Used in Matthew 23:27 in Jesus’s critique of religious hypocrisy. Emphasizes close but superficial resemblance, particularly in contexts of spiritual pretense versus reality.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #comparison #hypocrisy #matthew #jesus_teaching #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #authenticity #pharisees​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​