Strong’s G4985: From sómatikos (bodily), σωματικῶς describes the complete physical manifestation of deity in the Messiah. Used uniquely in Colossians 2:9, it emphasizes the full indwelling of divine nature in bodily form.

U- Unveiling the Word

σωματικῶς carries profound theological significance in expressing the complete physical manifestation of deity in the Messiah. Paul uses this term to emphasize that God’s fullness dwells in bodily form in Jesus, countering early heresies that denied His full deity or humanity. The early church saw this word as crucial for defending both the incarnation and the Messiah’s complete deity. Today, it continues to affirm the full union of divine and human natures in Him.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σωματικῶς, sómatikós, /sō-mä-tē-kōs’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soh-mah-tee-KOCE” (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• From σωματικός (sómatikos) – bodily
• -ῶς (-ós) – adverbial suffix indicating manner
• Ultimate root σῶμα (sóma) meaning “body”

D – Defining Meanings

• In bodily form
• Physically
• Corporeally

Translation Options:

• “Bodily” – Best captures physical manifestation
• “In physical form” – Emphasizes concrete reality
• “In corporeal form” – Technical theological term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σωματικός (sómatikos) /sō-mä-tē-ko’s/ – bodily – See G4984
• ἀληθῶς (aléthós) /ä-lā-thōs’/ – truly – See G230
• πληρόω (pléroó) /plā-ro’-ō/ – to fill – See G4137

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, σωματικῶς:

• Is indeclinable (maintains same form)
• Modifies verbs or adjectives
• Indicates manner or means
• Derived from adjective σωματικός

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: σωματικός (bodily)
• Related noun: σῶμα (body)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique theological usage. Thayer’s connects it to incarnational doctrine. LSJ documents its rare usage in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its significance for Christology. Strong’s notes its derivation from σωματικός. Moulton and Milligan discuss its technical theological meaning.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Colossians 2:9: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [σωματικῶς] bodily.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σωματικῶς proclaims the marvel of the incarnation—that in the Messiah, deity takes on physical form. This word declares the good news that God has fully revealed Himself in Jesus, making divine reality tangible and accessible through His incarnate Son.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only once in the New Testament
• It was crucial in early church debates about the Messiah’s nature
• Ancient philosophers rarely used it for divine manifestation

Strong’s G4985: From sómatikos (bodily), σωματικῶς describes the complete physical manifestation of deity in the Messiah. Used uniquely in Colossians 2:9, it emphasizes the full indwelling of divine nature in bodily form.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: incarnation, deity, physical manifestation, divine fullness, Colossians, Christology, bodily form, incarnate deity, Paul’s theology, divine nature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​