G2316

Introduction

Understanding Greek words like θεός (theos) is essential in Biblical studies because it provides foundational insight into the concept of divinity in the New Testament. The word θεός, translated as “God” or “god,” is one of the most frequently used terms in the New Testament, occurring over 1,300 times. It plays a critical role in theological discussions, as it represents the supreme deity of Christianity, distinguishing the Christian God from other gods mentioned in ancient Greek culture. By examining the use and nuances of θεός, we can better understand the cultural and religious context in which the New Testament was written.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: θεός (theos), [theh-OSS]
• Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root dhes- meaning “to invoke” or “to worship.” The word θεός reflects both the concept of a deity and the act of reverence or worship associated with such a being.
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Grammatical Details: Masculine, singular noun; Second declension
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• God (the supreme deity)
• god (a deity or divine being in general)
• Divine (referring to something godlike or pertaining to God)

Similar Words: δαιμών (daimōn), [DIE-mon] – This word refers to a divine power, spirit, or lesser deity, often associated with fate or destiny. Unlike θεός, which denotes a supreme deity, δαιμών can have both positive and negative connotations in Greek literature.

Further Insights: θεός is a standard masculine noun in the second declension. Its use in the New Testament primarily refers to the one true God of Israel, distinguishing Him from pagan gods. Below is a table showing the declension of θεός:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Explains θεός as “a transcendent being who exercises extraordinary control in human affairs.” In the New Testament, θεός almost exclusively refers to the God of Israel, except in cases where it is used to refer to false gods or idols.
• Thayers: Defines θεός as “God, the one true God,” emphasizing its use in describing the divine being who created and governs all things, highlighting its importance in both Old and New Testament contexts.
• Vines: Focuses on θεός as “God” in Christian theology, outlining its monotheistic use, especially to distinguish between the God of Christianity and other deities mentioned in the New Testament.
• LSJ: Points out that θεός can mean both “God” and “god,” depending on the context. It also highlights the use of θεός in classical Greek to refer to any deity or divine principle.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θεός as “a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate.” It notes the various contexts in which θεός appears, from Old Testament Septuagint references to New Testament usage.

Related Scripture References

• John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (θεός), and the Word was God (θεός).”
• Matthew 22:37 – “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God (θεός) with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”
• Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God (θεός) is for us, who can be against us?”
• 1 Corinthians 8:5 – “For even if there are so-called gods (θεοί) whether in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many gods (θεοί) and many lords—”
• Philippians 4:19 – “And my God (θεός) will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θεός (G2316)

θεός (theos), meaning “God” or “god,” is a central term in Biblical theology and Greek literature. It serves to define the supreme deity in Christian monotheism and distinguish Him from lesser deities in both Greek and other ancient religions. Understanding θεός is vital for interpreting Biblical texts, as it frames the nature and character of the God worshiped by Christians. From its grammatical declension to its theological implications, θεός reveals much about the intersection of language, culture, and religious belief in both the ancient and modern worlds.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The term θεός was also used by early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr and Tertullian to argue for the supremacy of the Christian God over Roman gods. They leveraged the philosophical and cultural meanings of θεός to demonstrate the unique attributes of the Christian God—omnipotence, omniscience, and moral perfection—against the backdrop of a polytheistic Roman society.