Divine Incarnation: σωματικός (Strong’s G4984: sómatikos) Reveals Physical Reality

Strong’s G4984: From sóma (body), σωματικός describes bodily or physical manifestation. Used of the Holy Spirit’s dove-like appearance and physical exercise, it emphasizes the reality of divine interaction with the material world.

U- Unveiling the Word

σωματικός carries profound theological significance in describing physical manifestation, particularly in relation to divine reality. In Luke, it describes the Holy Spirit’s visible appearance at Jesus’ baptism, while Paul uses it to contrast physical and spiritual exercise. The early church saw this term as crucial for defending both the reality of divine manifestation and the importance of physical existence. Today, it continues to affirm the sanctity of the physical realm and God’s engagement with material creation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σωματικός, sómatikos, /sō-mä-tē-ko’s/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soh-mah-tee-KOSS” (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From σῶμα (sóma) – body
• -ικος (-ikos) – adjectival suffix meaning “pertaining to”
• Related to concepts of physical manifestation

D – Defining Meanings

• Bodily
• Physical
• Having material form

Translation Options:

• “Bodily” – Best captures physical manifestation
• “In physical form” – Emphasizes material reality
• “Corporeal” – Technical term for physical existence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σῶμα (sóma) /sō’-mä/ – body – See G4983
• σαρκικός (sarkikos) /sär-kē-ko’s/ – fleshly – See G4559
• ὑλικός (hylikos) /hü-lē-ko’s/ – material – See G5591

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, σωματικός exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

Examples:

• σωματικός (masculine nominative)
• σωματική (feminine nominative)
• σωματικόν (neuter nominative)
• σωματικοῦ (masculine/neuter genitive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to physical manifestation. Thayer’s notes its use in divine appearances. LSJ documents its philosophical usage. Vine’s connects it to incarnational theology. Strong’s highlights its derivation from σῶμα. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in physical descriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 3:22: “And the Holy Spirit descended on him in [σωματικός] bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'”

Additional References:

• 1 Timothy 4:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σωματικός affirms God’s engagement with physical reality. This word proclaims the good news that the divine interacts with the material world, culminating in the incarnation of the Messiah. It validates both physical creation and bodily existence as spheres of God’s redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only twice in the New Testament
• Ancient philosophers used it in debates about body-soul relationships
• Early church fathers used it to defend the reality of the incarnation

Strong’s G4984: From sóma (body), σωματικός describes bodily or physical manifestation. Used of the Holy Spirit’s dove-like appearance and physical exercise, it emphasizes the reality of divine interaction with the material world.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: bodily form, physical manifestation, incarnation, Holy Spirit, divine appearance, physical exercise, material reality, Luke’s Gospel, baptism narrative, physical existence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​