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The IMAGE and LIKENESS of GOD
The Relationship between GOD, JESUS CHRIST and MAN
12. Synonyms - Comparison of the N.T. Greek words
Introductory comments
These definitions area based on comments found in:
Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
The Interlinear Literal Translation of the Greek New Testament, by George Ricker Berry.
If you are interested in further research, there are several other Greek-English lexicons and New Testament Greek dictionaries available.
The number and letter in [brackets] represents the word, listed in the order that we studied them.
Image and likeness - εἰκών [1A] & ὁμοίωμα [6D]
ὁμοίωμα - denotes often not mere similarity but likeness, visible conformity to its object
εἰκών - adds to the idea of likeness the suggestions of representation (as a derived likeness) and manifestation
Form and appearance - μορφή [3A] & σχημα [4A] & εἰδέα/ἰδέα [5B]
εἰδέα - merely outward appearance; deals with externals
μορφή &
σχημα - outward form, but including one’s habits, activities and modes of action in general; distinctions between
these words, according to some (but not all):
μορφή
- outward form that expresses the inner essence; expresses the form as that which is intrinsic and essential;
externals - as expressing that which is internal
σχημα - signifies the figure, shape, as that which is more outward and accidental; externals - but more comprehensive than εἰδέα
To change / transform - μεταμορφόω [3D] & μετασχηματίζω [4B]
μεταμορφόω - the permanent state to which the change takes place
μετασχηματίζω - the transient condition from which the change takes place; possibly preferred over μεταμορφόω as expressing “transition, but no absolute solution to continuity” (the spiritual from the natural as the butterfly from the caterpillar)
Dennis Hinks © 1983, 2006
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