likeness
de.mut denotes a visible form or resemblance, including a figure, model, or likeness to another.
The term most often marks the observable form or resemblance of figures and objects in visionary descriptions, especially where faces, hands, wheels, an expanse, a throne, or a human-like figure are described. It also marks likeness in relation to God, a parent, a people, or a proposed comparison, and can identify a representation used as a model or decorative figure.
Senses in use
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Visible form in a description · dominant
In Ezekiel 1:5 the APB renders a description of four living creatures and their human-like form; Ezekiel 1:10 then specifies the forms of their faces. The same descriptive use appears for an expanse in Ezekiel 1:22, a throne and human-like figure in Ezekiel 1:26, hands beneath wings in Ezekiel 10:21, and a fire-like figure in Ezekiel 8:2.
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Resemblance in relation to another · common
In Genesis 1:26 the construct noun occurs in the statement about making humankind according to God's likeness, while Genesis 5:3 applies the relation to a son in Adam's likeness. Daniel 10:16 describes one in the likeness of human beings; Isaiah 13:4 characterizes the sound on the mountains as that of a numerous people, and Isaiah 40:18 asks what likeness could be arranged for God.
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Represented model or figure · occasional
In 2 Kings 16:10 the APB renders the object sent to the priest as the likeness of the Damascus altar together with its pattern, placing the noun in an account of reproducing its design. In 2 Chronicles 4:3 it describes cattle figures cast beneath the sea.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term with “likeness” in descriptions such as Ezekiel 1:26 and Genesis 5:3, while surrounding comparisons also use phrases such as “like” and “appearance.” Those varying English expressions cannot always be assigned to this noun individually.