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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like κτίσις (ktísis) is essential in Biblical studies because they often carry significant theological and cultural meanings. κτίσις, which appears in Mark 10:6, refers to “creation” or “the act of creating,” and is frequently used in the New Testament to describe God’s creative work. This term provides a deeper insight into the theological understanding of creation, both in a physical sense—regarding the cosmos—and in a spiritual sense—concerning the new creation in Christ. Exploring the meanings and contexts of κτίσις helps us better grasp the ancient Greek worldview, where the concept of creation was foundational to understanding the divine-human relationship.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κτίσις (ktísis) [KTIS-ees]

Etymology: The word κτίσις is derived from the verb κτίζω (ktízō), which means “to create” or “to build.” The root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European ktid-, relating to building or establishing something foundational.

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. κτίσις is a third declension noun in Greek, meaning it varies in its morphological forms based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative), number (singular, plural), and gender (feminine).

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Creation (Act of Creating or Making)
The primary meaning of κτίσις is the act of creation itself, often referring to the divine act of God creating the world and everything within it. It implies an intentional and purposeful act of bringing something into existence from nothing.

Meaning 2: Created World or Universe
κτίσις also refers to the created world or the universe as a whole, the result of the divine act of creation. It embodies everything that exists as part of God’s creative order, from the heavens and earth to all living beings.

Meaning 3: New Creation (Spiritual Rebirth)
In a theological context, κτίσις can be used to describe a “new creation,” particularly in the sense of spiritual rebirth or regeneration in Christ. This meaning emphasizes the transformative power of God’s creative work in the life of believers.

Exploring Similar Words

κτίζω (ktízō) [KTID-zoh]: The root verb from which κτίσις is derived, meaning “to create” or “to build.” Unlike κτίσις, which is a noun, κτίζω refers specifically to the action or process of creation.

γένεσις (génesis) [GEN-eh-sis]: Meaning “origin” or “beginning,” this word focuses on the initial point of creation or the beginning of something, whereas κτίσις emphasizes the ongoing state or result of creation.

ποίημα (poiéma) [POY-ay-mah]: This word means “that which is made” or “workmanship.” While it shares the concept of something created, it focuses more on the finished product or result, rather than the act of creation itself.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As a third declension feminine noun, κτίσις changes form depending on its grammatical case and number:

• Nominative Singular: κτίσις
• Genitive Singular: κτίσεως
• Dative Singular: κτίσει
• Accusative Singular: κτίσιν
• Nominative Plural: κτίσεις
• Genitive Plural: κτίσεων
• Dative Plural: κτίσεσι(ν)
• Accusative Plural: κτίσεις

Declension Class: Third declension, which involves more complex endings and forms in both singular and plural cases.

For a more in-depth look at Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, κτίσις is often used to highlight God’s creative authority and the concept of a new spiritual creation in Christ. In classical Greek literature, it can also refer to the founding of cities or the establishment of new orders, demonstrating its broader application beyond the strictly theological context. The word reflects a dynamic and purposeful creation, often linked to divine intentionality and sovereignty. In theology, it speaks to the continuous and sustaining power of God in the universe.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Mark 10:6: “But from the beginning of the creation [κτίσεως], God made them male and female.”

Romans 8:19: “For the anxious longing of the creation [κτίσις] waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.”

Colossians 1:15: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation [κτίσεως].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The term κτίσις (ktísis) is integral to understanding both the physical and spiritual dimensions of creation in Biblical and classical Greek contexts. It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe God’s creative power and the resulting created order. Additionally, it carries theological implications for understanding God’s ongoing relationship with the world and His transformative work through Christ.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? The Greek word κτίσις not only refers to physical creation but is also used metaphorically in early Christian writings to signify the “new creation” in a believer’s life.
• Did you know? In ancient Greek philosophy, κτίσις was often used to describe the foundational acts of gods or demiurges in creating the cosmos and ordering the universe.
• Did you know? The use of κτίσις in the New Testament emphasizes both the beginning of the world and the hope for its renewal and restoration, blending Jewish and Hellenistic concepts of creation and new beginnings.