Understanding ἀφομοιόω (aphomoidō) Strong’s G871: Made Like or Assimilated – The Profound Mystery of Divine Representation

Pronunciation Guide: ah-foh-moy-OH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G871: Ἀφομοιόω (aphomoidō) means to make like, to assimilate, or to cause one thing to be similar to another. It describes the process of making a copy or representation that closely resembles the original. In biblical usage, it specifically appears in the context of describing the mysterious resemblance of Melchizedek to the Son of God, highlighting a divinely appointed parallel or typological relationship.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: Compound of ἀπό (apo, “from”) and ὁμοιόω (homoioō, “to make like”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Theological discourse, specifically in typological descriptions
• Frequency: Extremely rare (appears only once in the New Testament)
• Voice/Mood: Perfect passive participle in its biblical occurrence

ἀφομοιόω Morphology:

• ἀφομοιόω (present active indicative) – I make like, I assimilate
• ἀφομοιοῖς (present active indicative, 2nd person) – you make like
• ἀφομοιοῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person) – he/she/it makes like
• ἀφωμοίωσα (aorist active indicative) – I made like
• ἀφωμοιωμένος (perfect passive participle) – having been made like

Origin & History

The verb ἀφομοιόω is a compound word combining the preposition ἀπό (apo), which denotes derivation or separation, and the verb ὁμοιόω (homoioō), which means “to make like” or “to compare.” The prefix ἀπό intensifies the idea of likeness, suggesting a deliberate making of one thing to be like another, with emphasis on the resulting similarity rather than the process.

In classical Greek literature, forms of this word appear occasionally in philosophical writings. Plato uses related terms in his discussions of mimesis and representation in “The Republic,” where he explores how art imitates reality. Similarly, Aristotle employs related terminology in his “Poetics” when discussing how art represents or mirrors life. In the Septuagint (LXX), the simpler form ὁμοιόω appears more frequently, especially in contexts related to making comparisons or analogies, though the compound form ἀφομοιόω itself is rare.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Representation by Design – To intentionally fashion something to resemble another, creating a divinely appointed parallel
• Typological Resemblance – To bear characteristics that foreshadow or reflect a greater reality
• Assimilation of Attributes – To be endowed with qualities that cause resemblance to another person or entity

ἀφομοιόω Translation Options:

• Made like – Emphasizes the passive nature of the resemblance as something divinely ordained rather than self-created
• Resembling – Focuses on the visual or conceptual similarity that exists between the subject and its parallel
• Assimilated to – Highlights the process of taking on characteristics of another
• Fashioned after the likeness of – Captures the intentional design aspect implied in the etymology
• Represented as – Emphasizes the typological function of the resemblance

Biblical Usage

The term ἀφομοιόω appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:3, where it describes Melchizedek as being “made like” or “assimilated to” the Son of God. This singular usage carries immense theological weight, as it establishes a divinely ordained typological relationship between the mysterious priest-king of Salem and the Messiah Jesus. The author of Hebrews employs this rare term precisely to highlight that Melchizedek was specifically designed by God to prefigure and foreshadow the eternal priesthood of the Messiah.

While the compound form ἀφομοιόω itself does not appear elsewhere in Scripture, the root verb ὁμοιόω appears multiple times throughout the New Testament, particularly in the parables of Jesus where He frequently says “The kingdom of heaven is like…” (ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία). This conceptual connection underscores the importance of divine typology and representation in biblical revelation, where earthly realities are often presented as shadows of heavenly truths.

• “Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like [ἀφωμοιωμένος] the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.” Hebrews 7:3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the concept of representative likeness carried profound significance. Kings would often erect statues or images (ἀφομοιώματα in related Greek forms) throughout their territories to represent their presence and authority in places where they could not physically be present. These representations were not understood merely as artistic depictions but as extensions of the ruler’s presence and power. When subjects approached such images, they were expected to show the same reverence as they would to the king himself.

This cultural background illuminates the significance of Melchizedek being “made like” the Son of God. In Jewish interpretive tradition, Melchizedek was an enigmatic and revered figure. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain documents (11QMelch) that portray Melchizedek as a heavenly being who executes judgment. By the first century CE, there was significant theological reflection on this mysterious figure who was both priest and king. The author of Hebrews leverages this cultural understanding to present Melchizedek not merely as a historical figure but as a divinely appointed representative—a living typology intended to prefigure the eternal priesthood of the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀφομοιόω in Hebrews 7:3 are profound and far-reaching. By declaring that Melchizedek was “made like” the Son of God, the inspired author reveals God’s sovereign design in history, showing how יהוה (Yahweh) intentionally planted prophetic types within the historical narrative of Israel that would later find their fulfillment in the Messiah Jesus. This single use of ἀφομοιόω demonstrates that biblical typology is not merely a literary device or interpretive approach developed by later theologians but a divinely intended reality woven into the fabric of salvation history.

This concept also illuminates the nature of divine revelation. God communicates transcendent truths through earthly parallels, making the incomprehensible accessible through carefully designed representations. Melchizedek’s mysterious appearance in Genesis, with no recorded birth or death, specifically prefigured the eternal nature of the Messiah’s priesthood. This demonstrates God’s meticulous attention to every detail of Scripture, where even brief narratives contain profound foreshadowings of His redemptive plan. Through ἀφομοιόω, we glimpse God’s sovereign orchestration of history to reveal His Son, the ultimate High Priest who offers perfect atonement through His once-for-all sacrifice.

Personal Application

Understanding the concept of ἀφομοιόω invites us to reflect on our own calling to be “made like” the Messiah Jesus. While Melchizedek was divinely fashioned as a type of the coming Messiah, we as believers are being transformed into the image of the One who has already come. As Romans 8:29 declares, we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” The same God who designed Melchizedek to foreshadow the Messiah is now at work in us, conforming us to His likeness.

This transformation is not something we accomplish through our own efforts but is the work of the Holy Spirit who progressively makes us more like our Savior. When we struggle with this process of sanctification, we can take comfort in knowing that being “made like” Him is God’s sovereign design for our lives. Just as Melchizedek’s resemblance to the Son of God served a divine purpose, our growing conformity to the image of the Messiah glorifies God and makes His character visible to a watching world.

Related Words

• ὁμοιόω (homoioō) (hom-oy-OH-oh) – To make like, compare, liken; the root verb from which ἀφομοιόω is derived. Used in many of Jesus’ parables to draw comparisons between spiritual realities and everyday experiences. See G3666
• ὅμοιος (homoios) (HOM-oy-os) – Like, similar, resembling; an adjective describing things that bear resemblance to one another. Used in Revelation 1:13 to describe the Son of Man as “like a son of man,” highlighting both similarity and distinction. See G3664
• εἰκών (eikōn) (eye-KONE) – Image, likeness, representation; describes something that not only resembles but represents another. Used to describe the Messiah as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and believers being transformed into His image. See G1504
• μορφή (morphē) (mor-FAY) – Form, outward appearance that reveals inner nature; used in Philippians 2:7 to describe the Messiah’s divine nature and His taking on human nature. See G3444
• τύπος (typos) (TIE-pos) – Type, pattern, model; used to describe people, events, or institutions that prefigure fulfillment in the Messiah or the New Covenant. Adam is called a “type” of the One to come in Romans 5:14. See G5179

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the concept behind ἀφομοιόω played a significant role in early Christian art and iconography? Early Christian artisans created images of the Messiah and biblical scenes not merely as decorations but as visual theology—representations designed to make divine truths accessible to believers. The Byzantine tradition of icon-writing was particularly influenced by this concept, with icons understood not as mere pictures but as windows into transcendent reality, “made like” their heavenly subjects to facilitate spiritual contemplation.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish mystical tradition, particularly in early Merkabah mysticism, there was a concept known as the “likeness on the throne” (based on Ezekiel 1:26), which described a human form that represented God’s presence while preserving His transcendence? This concept resonates with how ἀφομοιόω functions in Hebrews, where Melchizedek is presented as a representation that points to the Son of God while maintaining the unique distinction of the One he represents.
• Did you know that modern molecular biology has discovered a concept remarkably similar to ἀφομοιόω in how DNA functions? DNA creates protein structures that are “made like” or “fashioned after” the pattern encoded in the genetic information. This biological “making like” creates structures that have specific purposes and functions, paralleling how Melchizedek was “made like” the Son of God for the specific purpose of foreshadowing His eternal priesthood. This scientific parallel offers a contemporary illustration of how God designs representations that serve specific revelatory purposes.

Remember This

ἀφομοιόω reveals God’s sovereign artistry in salvation history—crafting shadows that perfectly foreshadow the substance of His Son, inviting us to marvel at a God who embedded prophetic portraits throughout Scripture that would ultimately converge in the face of the Messiah Jesus.