Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "similitude" refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used in the Bible to describe a comparison or analogy that illustrates a spiritual truth. It is a literary device employed to convey deeper meanings through familiar images or concepts. In Scripture, similitudes are used to reveal divine truths, moral lessons, and prophetic insights. Biblical Examples: 1. Creation and Humanity: The concept of similitude is foundational in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:26 , God says, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." Here, "likeness" is a form of similitude, indicating that humans are created to reflect certain attributes of God, such as rationality, morality, and relational capacity. 2. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets frequently used similitudes to communicate God's messages. Hosea 12:10 states, "I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets." The use of parables and visions as similitudes helped convey complex divine messages in a relatable manner. 3. Parables of Jesus: Jesus often taught in parables, which are extended similitudes. For instance, in Matthew 13:31-32 , Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." This similitude illustrates the growth and expansive nature of God's kingdom. 4. Moral and Ethical Teachings: Similitudes are also used to impart moral and ethical teachings. In James 3:9 , the tongue is compared to a fire: "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness." This similitude highlights the power of speech and the inconsistency of using it for both blessing and cursing. Theological Significance: Similitudes in the Bible serve as a bridge between the divine and human understanding. They allow finite minds to grasp infinite truths by relating them to everyday experiences. Through similitudes, Scripture communicates the nature of God, the principles of His kingdom, and the moral expectations for His people. Interpretation and Application: Interpreting similitudes requires careful consideration of the context and the intended message. Readers are encouraged to seek the underlying spiritual truths rather than focusing solely on the literal elements of the comparison. Similitudes invite believers to reflect on their own lives and align themselves with the teachings and character of God as revealed through these illustrative comparisons. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality of being similar or like; resemblance; likeness; similarity; as, similitude of substance.2. (n.) The act of likening, or that which likens, one thing to another; fanciful or imaginative comparison; a simile. 3. (n.) That which is like or similar; a representation, semblance, or copy; a facsimile. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SIMILITUDEsi-mil'-i-tud: In the King James Version means either "an exact facsimile" (Psalm 106:20 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "likeness"; Romans 5:14, etc.), or else "the form itself" (Numbers 12:8 Deuteronomy 4:12, 15, 16 for temunah, "form" (so the Revised Version (British and American))); compare LIKENESS. the English Revised Version has retained the word in 2 Chronicles 4:3 Daniel 10:16 (the American Standard Revised Version "likeness"), while the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version have used "similitudes" in Hosea 12:10 (damah, "be like"). The meaning is "I have inspired the prophets to speak parables." Greek 3667. homoioma -- that which is made like (something) ... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: homoioma Phonetic Spelling: (hom-oy'-o-mah) Short Definition: a likeness, form, similitude Definition: (originally ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3667.htm - 7k 3665. homoiotes -- likeness, in like manner 3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger 3669. homoiosis -- a making like, likeness Strong's Hebrew 1823. demuth -- likeness, similitude... demuth. 1824 . likeness, similitude. Transliteration: demuth Phonetic Spelling: (dem-ooth') Short Definition: likeness. ... fashion, likeness, as, manner, similitude ... /hebrew/1823.htm - 6k 8544. temunah -- likeness, form 8404. Taberah -- "burning," a place in the desert 8403. tabnith -- construction, pattern, figure Library In Baptism, which is the Similitude of the Death and Resurrection ... Similitude of the vine and Branches. --The Law of Love. (John, A Similitude How a Man Should Act and Bear Himself in this Case A Similitude How we Should Perform the First Degree of Our Inward ... Another Similitude Concerning the Same Exercise As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by ... The Sins of the Elect and of the Penitent are of Many Kinds, but ... As in this World we have no Abiding City As in Summer Living Trees are Distinguished from Withered by Fruit ... Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of their Death, Falling ... Thesaurus Similitude (18 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality of being similar or like; resemblance; likeness; similarity; as, similitude of substance. ...SIMILITUDE. ... /s/similitude.htm - 13k Parable (52 Occurrences) Figure (19 Occurrences) Idol (56 Occurrences) Representative (10 Occurrences) Apparently (3 Occurrences) Form (153 Occurrences) Similes (22 Occurrences) Speech (107 Occurrences) Apocalyptic Resources What is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org Similitude: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Similitude (18 Occurrences)John 10:6 John 16:29 Romans 5:14 Hebrews 7:15 James 3:9 2 Peter 2:22 Numbers 12:8 Deuteronomy 4:12 Deuteronomy 4:15 Deuteronomy 4:16 Deuteronomy 4:23 Deuteronomy 4:25 Deuteronomy 5:8 2 Chronicles 4:3 Job 4:16 Psalms 106:20 Psalms 144:12 Daniel 10:16 Subtopics Similitude: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Representative (10 Occurrences) |
    |