16. Image. Likeness. Similitude

From: Concise Bible Dictionary: Appendix

The word εἰκών (from ἔοικα, ‘to seem, resemble') is translated ‘image,' and the words ὀμοίωσις and ὁμοίωμα (from ὅμοιος, ‘like') are translated 'likeness, similitude.'

In Gen. 1:26²⁶And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26) both εἰκών and ὀμοίωσις occur in the LXX: "Let us make man in our image (εἰ.) and after our likeness (ὀμ)" In the N. T. these two words occur, in a similar use, with reference to man: he has this place in responsibility still: thus man "is the image (εὶ.) and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7⁷For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. (1 Corinthians 11:7).); and "men are made after the likeness (ὁμ.) of God." Jas. 3:9⁹Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. (James 3:9).

To be true to the image there must be moral likeness; but this involves for us a new creation. Hence (Col. 3:10¹⁰And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10)): "the new man is renewed unto full knowledge after the image (εἰ.) of him that created him;" and Eph. 4:24²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) supplies the likeness (though the word is not used) "the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

In Rom. 1:23²³And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1:23) the words ὁμοίωμα and εἰκών both occur. It is said that men "changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness (ὀμ.) of an image (εἰ) of corruptible man, and of birds," &c. Both words will also be found in reference to the Lord, He is the image (εἰ.) of God (2 Cor. 4:4⁴In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4); Col. 1:15¹⁵Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Colossians 1:15)); and He took a place "in the likeness (ὁμ.) of men" (Phi. 2:7); see also Rom. 8:3³For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Romans 8:3).

‘Similitude' in Heb. 7:15¹⁵And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, (Hebrews 7:15) is the rendering of another word ὁμοιότης, "after the similitude of Melchizedek."

For further remarks, see IMAGE in this Dictionary.

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Concise Bible Dictionary: Appendix

• New Testament Synonyms.

• 1. To Touch, Handle

• 2. Unlearned. Ignorant

• 3. To Draw, Drag

• 4. Old. Ancient

• 5. Covetousness. Love of Money

• 6. Holiness. Sanctification

• 7. To Eat

• 8. To Love, Have Affection For

• 9. Holy. Pious

• 10. Forgiveness. Remission

• 11. To Desire, Will, Purpose

• 12. Rest. Liberty

• 13. To Worship, Serve

• 14. Word. Words

• 15. Peculiar (People), Purchased Possession

• 16. Image. Likeness. Similitude

• 17. To Walk

• 18. Accepted. Acceptable

• 19. To Accomplish, Finish, Fulfill

• 20. To Ask, Request

• 21. Another. Different

• 22. Envy. Zeal. Emulation. Jealousy

• 23. Life. Living

• 24. To Comfort, Encourage

• 25. Burden. Weight

• 26. True. The True

• 27. To Corrupt, Handle Deceitfully

• 28. To Feed, Shepherd

• 29. Light. Lamp. Candle