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G871 · Greek · New Testament
ἀφομοιόω
Aphomoioō
Verb
To Make Like / To Liken / To Resemble

Definition

The Greek verb aphomoioō means to make like, to liken, or to cause to resemble. It combines apo (from/thoroughly) and homoioō (to make like, to resemble). The word carries the sense of thorough likening — being fully conformed to a pattern. In the New Testament it appears only once, in Hebrews 7:3, in the description of Melchizedek.

Usage & Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:3 describes Melchizedek as being "made like (aphomoiōmenos) the Son of God." The theological direction is profound: Melchizedek is not the original — Christ is. Melchizedek is the shadow; Christ is the substance. The priest of Salem is deliberately described as a type, lacking genealogy and recorded death, so that in the narrative he resembles the eternal Son whose priesthood knows no beginning or end. Aphomoioō is the language of typology — God pre-shaping history to point to Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 7:3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like (aphomoiōmenos) the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Hebrews 7:1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High.
Genesis 14:18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
Psalm 110:4You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Romans 8:29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.

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External Resources

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