ἔοικα G1503
be like, resemble, appear similar to
This perfect tense verb with present meaning expresses resemblance or likeness. James uses it twice in chapter 1 to create vivid comparisons: the doubter is like a wave driven by wind (v.6), and the hearer who forgets is like someone who looks in a mirror and walks away (v.23). The word introduces similes that make abstract spiritual realities concrete and memorable.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Introducing comparisons that make spiritual truths vivid, this sense appears in James' memorable similes about faith and hearing. Both instances use natural imagery (wind-driven waves, a mirror's reflection) to illuminate spiritual instability and forgetfulness. The verb sets up the 'is like' formula common in wisdom literature, making abstract qualities tangible through comparison. 2×
AR["يُشبِهُ"]·ben["সদৃশ"]·DE["gleichen"]·EN["is-like"]·FR["ἔοικεν"]·heb["דּוֹמֶה"]·HI["समान-है"]·ID["seperti"]·IT["eoiken"]·jav["kados"]·KO["같다"]·PT["assemelha-se"]·RU["подобен"]·ES["se-asemeja"]·SW["anafanana-na"]·TR["benzer"]·urd["مانند-ہے"]
Related Senses
H3808 1. simple negation (not) (4839×)G1722 1. locative: in, within (2442×)H1004b 1. house, dwelling, building (2015×)G3756 1. not (negation particle) (1635×)H4480a 1. source or separation (1198×)H5892b 1. city, town (1093×)G1519 1. direction: into, to, toward (1061×)H3427 1. Qal: to dwell, inhabit (937×)G1537 1. from, out of (source/origin) (886×)H8034 1. Name (designation / identifier) (856×)G3361 1. subjective negation (not) (834×)G1909 1. on, upon (spatial surface) (757×)H0369 1. existential negation: there is not (738×)H5869a 1. in the eyes/sight of (evaluative) (734×)H5650 1. Servant, attendant, subject (723×)H0408 1. prohibitive negation do-not (712×)G2443 1. so that, in order that (purpose/result) (665×)G0575 1. from (649×)G1223 1. through, by means of (582×)H3541 1. thus, so, in this manner (569×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἔοικα, as, ε, etc., perfect with present sense, to be like: rarely in other tenses, 3rd.pers. singular imperfect εἶκε it was opportune, Refs 8th c.BC+: future εἴξω will be like, Refs 5th c.BC+; perfect 3rd.pers. dual ἔϊκτον Refs 8th c.BC+; 1st pers. plural ἔοιγμεν Refs 5th c.BC+; 3rd.pers. plural εἴξασι Refs 5th c.BC+; infinitive εἰκέναι Refs 5th c.BC+; participle εἰκώς (also ἐϊκώς Refs 8th…