Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insights into the historical, cultural, and religious contexts of the time. The Greek word Ζεύς (Zeús), referring to the chief deity in Greek mythology, is significant because it appears in the New Testament, particularly in a context where early Christians encountered Greco-Roman religious beliefs. The usage of Ζεύς helps illuminate the religious milieu of the New Testament era and the challenges faced by early Christians in distinguishing their faith from the prevailing polytheistic traditions of their time.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ζεύς, transliteration: Zeús, pronunciation: [Zey-ous]
• Etymology: The root of Ζεύς is linked to the Proto-Indo-European dyeu- meaning “to shine” or “sky,” which is also the source for other related deities like Jupiter in Roman mythology and Dyaus in Vedic traditions.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine; it is the name of a deity.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Zeus: The chief god in ancient Greek mythology, ruler of Mount Olympus, and god of the sky, lightning, and thunder.

Similar Words: Διός (Diós) [DEE-ohs], the genitive form of Ζεύς, is used in Greek literature to refer to possessions or attributes associated with Zeus. While Ζεύς refers to the deity’s name, Διός pertains to “of Zeus” or “belonging to Zeus.”

Further Insights: Ζεύς (Zeús) is a proper noun and a third-declension noun in Greek. This word is often encountered in ancient Greek texts where Zeus is a significant figure in mythology. Here is the full declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Notes Ζεύς as the highest god in Greek mythology, often considered the “Father of gods and men,” and refers to its usage in Acts 14:12, where the people of Lystra refer to Barnabas as Zeus.
• Thayers: Describes Ζεύς as the supreme god in Greek pantheon mythology and highlights its cultural significance in the Greco-Roman world.
• Vines: Focuses on Ζεύς as part of the pantheon of gods and its significance in distinguishing Christian monotheism from contemporary polytheism.
• LSJ: Lists Ζεύς extensively in various contexts from Homeric poetry to later Greek literature, emphasizing its role as a sky god and sovereign deity.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Highlights Ζεύς as the name of the supreme deity of the Greeks and points to its reference in the New Testament.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 14:12: “They began calling Barnabas, Zeus (Ζεύς), and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage:

Summary of Ζεύς (G2203)

The Greek word Ζεύς (Zeús) refers to the chief deity in Greek mythology, serving as a prominent figure in ancient religious practices. Understanding its occurrence in the New Testament, especially in Acts 14:12, where early Christians encounter polytheistic beliefs, offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of early Christian evangelism. Ζεύς not only reflects the religious diversity of the time but also underscores the challenge of distinguishing the Christian faith from Greco-Roman polytheism.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The Greek god Zeus was often depicted holding a thunderbolt, a symbol of his power as the sky god. Interestingly, the Roman equivalent of Zeus is Jupiter, which is derived from the same Proto-Indo-European root as Zeus!