Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 55:2 (NA 2004)
Article: A note on ROMANS 6:5: The Representation (ὉΜΟΙΩΜΑ) of his death
Author: Sorin Sabou

TynBul 55:2 (2004) p. 219

A note on ROMANS 6:5:
The Representation (ὉΜΟΙΩΜΑ) of his death

Sorin Sabou

Summary

The meaning and especially the reference of the ὁμοίωμα in Romans 6:5 is a subject of debate in Pauline studies. This note, keeping in view the two main lines of interpretation (‘corresponding reality’ and ‘form’), argues for a specific different meaning, namely, that of ‘representation’ referring to a discourse which here in Romans is the proclamation of the death and resurrection of Christ. It does so by giving an important place to the role of the gospel at the start and in the time of ‘newness of life’.

1. Introduction

In Romans 6:5 there is a puzzling affirmation about Christ’s death: ‘the likeness of his death’. Different English translations tried to deal with this in different ways; what is translated in KJV as ‘[f]or if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, […]’, is translated by NRSV, ‘[f]or if we have been united with him in a death like his, […]’, and the same text becomes in REB, ‘[f]or if we have become identified with him in his death, […]’. This note tries to discuss the questions implied in this text and intends to propose a clearer/different meaning and reference to this expression.

From the all occurrences of ὁμοιώματα in the LXX (Exod. 20:4; Deut. 4:12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25; 5:8; Josh. 22:28; Judg. 8:18; 1 Kgs 6:5, 5; 4 Kgs. 16:10; 2 Chr. 4:3; Ps. 105 (106).20; 143 (144).12; Cant. 1:11; Sir. 31 (You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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