Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "likenesses" often refer to representations or images that resemble something else, particularly in relation to God, humanity, and idols. The concept of likeness is significant in understanding the nature of God, the creation of humanity, and the prohibitions against idolatry.Creation of Humanity in God's Likeness The notion of likeness is first introduced in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Here, "likeness" signifies the unique relationship between God and humanity, indicating that humans reflect certain attributes of God, such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationship. Prohibition of Idolatrous Likenesses The Bible strongly prohibits the creation and worship of idols, which are often described as likenesses of created things. The second commandment in Exodus 20:4-5 warns, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." This commandment underscores the danger of reducing the infinite and invisible God to a finite and visible form, which can lead to false worship and a misunderstanding of God's nature. Likeness in the New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of likeness is further developed in the context of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:7 describes Jesus as taking "the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage highlights the incarnation, where Jesus, though fully divine, took on human form to accomplish the work of salvation. Additionally, Romans 8:29 speaks of believers being "conformed to the likeness of His Son," indicating the transformative process of sanctification where Christians are gradually shaped to reflect Christ's character. Theological Implications Theologically, the idea of likeness emphasizes the dignity and value of human beings as bearers of God's image. It also serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the pursuit of Christlikeness. The prohibition against idolatrous likenesses reinforces the transcendence and uniqueness of God, who cannot be contained or represented by any physical form. The incarnation of Christ as the perfect likeness of God provides the ultimate revelation of God's nature and the means by which humanity can be restored to its intended likeness. Strong's Hebrew 6754. tselem -- an image... Word Origin from an unused word Definition an image NASB Word Usage form (1), image (5), images (6), likenesses (3), phantom (1). image, vain show. ... /hebrew/6754.htm - 6k Library Of the Term "Enigma," and of Tropical Modes of Speech. Whether, in Prophetic Revelation, New Species of Things are ... Papal Tombs. Copies of Christ's Manner The Parable of the Drag-Net. In Human Institutions which are not Superstitious, There are Some ... But in Regard to Pictures and Statues, and Other Works of this ... Caput xv. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Whether the Intellectual Soul Knows Itself by Its Essence? Thesaurus Likenesses (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Likenesses (4 Occurrences). Revelation 9:7 And the likenesses of the locusts were like to horses prepared ... /l/likenesses.htm - 7k Likes (3 Occurrences) Likeness (52 Occurrences) Luke (4 Occurrences) Gospel (108 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Likenesses (4 Occurrences)Revelation 9:7 1 Samuel 6:5 1 Samuel 6:11 Ezekiel 41:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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