Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of resemblance in the Bible often pertains to the likeness or similarity between individuals, objects, or spiritual truths. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both physical and spiritual parallels.
Creation and Image of GodThe foundational aspect of resemblance in the Bible begins with humanity's creation in the image of God.
Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness... So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.'" This passage highlights the unique resemblance humans have to their Creator, not in physical form, but in spiritual and moral capacities, such as the ability to reason, make moral choices, and engage in relationships.
Christ as the Image of GodIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as the ultimate representation of God's image.
Colossians 1:15 declares, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." This resemblance is not merely symbolic but is a profound truth of Christ's divine nature and His role in revealing God to humanity.
Hebrews 1:3 further affirms, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature."
Believers Conformed to Christ's ImageThe resemblance theme extends to believers, who are called to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Romans 8:29 states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies believers, enabling them to reflect Christ's character and virtues.
Moral and Spiritual ResemblanceThe Bible also addresses the moral and spiritual resemblance between individuals and their actions. In
Ephesians 5:1 , Paul exhorts believers, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children." This call to imitation is a call to resemble God's holiness and love in daily conduct. Similarly,
1 Peter 1:15-16 urges, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Resemblance in Parables and TeachingsJesus often used parables to illustrate spiritual truths through resemblance. For instance, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37), the Samaritan's actions resemble the love and compassion God expects from His followers. These teachings encourage believers to reflect God's character in their interactions with others.
Resemblance to the WorldThe Bible warns against resembling the sinful patterns of the world.
Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This admonition highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the pursuit of godliness, contrasting the believer's life with worldly values.
In summary, the theme of resemblance in the Bible encompasses the divine image in humanity, the perfect representation of God in Christ, the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers, and the moral and spiritual likeness expected of God's people. Through these teachings, Scripture calls believers to reflect God's character and resist conformity to worldly standards.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To be like or similar to; to bear the similitude of, either in appearance or qualities; as, these brothers resemble each other.
2. (v. t.) To liken; to compare; to represent as like.
3. (v. t.) To counterfeit; to imitate.
4. (v. t.) To cause to imitate or be like.
Greek
3945. paromoiazo -- to be like... to be like. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: paromoiazo Phonetic Spelling:
(par-om-oy-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I
resemble Definition: I
resemble, am like.
...3662. homoiazo -- agree.
... agree. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: homoiazo Phonetic Spelling:
(hom-oy-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I am like,resemble Definition: I am like,resemble....
1503. eiko -- be like.
... be like. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eiko Phonetic Spelling: (i'-ko) Short
Definition: I am like,resemble Definition: I am like,resemble....
3666. homoioo -- to make like
... make like, compare,resemble. From homoios; to assimilate, ie Compare; passively,
to become similar -- be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess),resemble....
2929. krustallizo -- to shine like crystal
... be clear as crystal. From krustallos; to make (ie Intransitively,resemble) ice
("crystallize") -- be clear as crystal. see GREEK krustallos....
3877. parakoloutheo -- to follow closely, to investigate
... from 3844 , "from close-beside" and 190 , "follow") -- properly, follow closely,
especially through a ; follow after closely toresemble (illustrate, play out...
Strong's Hebrew
1819. damah -- to be like,resemble... 1818, 1819. damah. 1820 . to be like,
resemble. Transliteration: damah Phonetic
Spelling: (daw-maw') Short Definition: like. Word Origin a prim.
...7737. shavah -- to agree with, be like,resemble
... 7736, 7737. shavah. 7737a . to agree with, be like,resemble. Transliteration:
shavah Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-vaw') Short Definition: avail....
7737a. shavah -- to agree with, be like,resemble
... 7737, 7737a. shavah. 7737b . to agree with, be like,resemble. Transliteration:
shavah Short Definition: composed. Word Origin a prim....
4911. mashal -- to represent, be like
... Denominative from mashal; to liken, ie (transitively) to use figurative language
(an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, toresemble -- be(-come...
7739. shvah -- to become like
... make like (Aramaic): corresponding to shavah; toresemble -- make like. see HEBREW
shavah. 7738, 7739. shvah. 7739a . Strong's Numbers.
8389. toar -- outline, form
... be drawn, mark out. From ta'ar; outline, ie Figure or appearance -- + beautiful,
X comely, countenance, + fair, X favoured, form, X goodly, Xresemble, visage....
5566. semel -- an image, statue
... figure, idol, image. Or cemel {say'-mel}; from an unused root meaning toresemble;
a likeness -- figure, idol, image. 5565, 5566. semel or semel. 5567 ....
1821. demah -- to be like
... be like. (Aramaic) corresponding to damah; toresemble -- be like. see HEBREW
damah. 1820, 1821. demah. 1822 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
But those Who, in the Opinion of Celsus,Resemble the Workers in...
... Chapter LVIII. But those who, in the opinion of Celsus,resemble the workers
in wool in private? But those who, in the opinion...
The Mythology Respecting the Gods; the Dogmas of the Manich??ans...
... Chapter X."The Mythology Respecting the Gods; The Dogmas of the Manich??ansResemble
This: the Homeric Allegory of the Battle of the Gods; Envy and Emulation...
If Christians and the Heathen ThusResemble Each Other, There is...
... If Christians and the Heathen ThusResemble Each Other, There is Great Difference
in the Grounds and Nature of Their Apparently Similar Conduct....
Whether God is Altogether Simple
... simple. God's creaturesresemble him.... 7). On the first point: God's creatures
resemble him as effectsresemble their first cause....
Mathew xi. 10
... Take those tastes in us which mostresemble the instincts of a brute; and you will
find that in these, as with instinct, common consent becomes a sure rule....
Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... this day. (2 Kings 17:33.). How nearly does the practice of most modern
Christiansresemble this of the ancient Heathens! "They fear...
part i.
... They were made in his own image"framed toresemble him in their intellectual and
moral capacities, and to imitate him in the spirit of their deportment....
Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things...
... Moreover, it is not only forbidden to virgins in any way to touch those things which
are made from that vine, but even such things asresemble them and are...
The Sermon on the Mount.
... [Fish and bread were the common food of the peasants of Galilee. A stone might
resemble a cake, but if given it would deceive the child....
What was the First Cause of Making Images; of the True Likeness of...
... they should see nothing present which they may adore, and therefore they set up
images; and since these are representations of the dead, theyresemble the dead...
Thesaurus
Resemble (15 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To be like or similar to; to bear the similitude of, either in appearance
or qualities; as, these brothers
resemble each other.
...Resembled (18 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofResemble. Multi-Version Concordance
Resembled (18 Occurrences). Romans 9:29 Even as Isaiah...
Teachings (34 Occurrences)
... Matthew 7:24 "Every one who hears these my teachings and acts upon them will be
found toresemble a wise man who builds his house upon rock; (WEY)....
Pearl (5 Occurrences)
... Used also figuratively. 14. (vt) To cause toresemble pearls; to make into small
round grains; as, to pearl barley. 15. (vi) Toresemble pearl or pearls. 16....
Builds (18 Occurrences)
... Matthew 7:24 "Every one who hears these my teachings and acts upon them will be
found toresemble a wise man who builds his house upon rock; (WEY)....
Dog (19 Occurrences)
... In this connection, it is noteworthy that the dogs of certain regions greatly
resemble the wolves of those regions. The pariah dogs...
Type (12 Occurrences)
... of latitude; yet one general idea is common to all, namely, "likeness." A person,
event or thing is so fashioned or appointed as toresemble another; the one...
Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... latter. Another point to be observed is that the letters whichresemble each
other in one alphabet do not alwaysresemble in another....
Venom (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:13 "Their throatsresemble an opened grave; with their tongues they have
been talking deceitfully." "The venom of vipers lies hidden behind their lips...
Unscrupulous (2 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Ephesians 4:14 So we shall no longer be babes nor shall weresemble mariners
tossed on the waves and carried about with every changing wind of doctrine...
Resources
What does it mean to be born of the Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? | GotQuestions.orgResemble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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