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Introduction
In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding terms related to divinity and God is crucial for interpreting key theological concepts. The Greek word θεότης (theotēs) is particularly significant because it encapsulates the essence or nature of deity. Found in both Biblical and classical Greek texts, this term provides insight into how early Christians and ancient Greek thinkers conceptualized the divine nature. The word is central to discussions about the nature of God, especially in New Testament theology, and is essential for grasping the nuances of how God’s character and being are portrayed.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θεότης (theotēs), [theh-OH-tace]
- Etymology: Derived from θεός (theos), meaning “God,” and the suffix -της (-tēs), which denotes a quality or state. Thus, θεότης means “divinity” or “the state of being divine.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, feminine
- Grammatical Details: Third declension noun
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Divinity
- The state of being God
- Godhead
Similar Words: θεότης should not be confused with θεῖος (theios, [THEE-os]), which refers to something “divine” or “godlike.” While θεότης speaks to the essence or nature of being God, θεῖος is often used to describe divine qualities or attributes that are godlike but not necessarily fully divine in essence.
Further Insights: θεότης is a third-declension noun, and its declension follows the typical pattern of feminine nouns in this category. It is used in theological contexts to describe the full nature of the divine. Below is the declension of θεότης:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θεότης | θεότητες |
| Genitive | θεότητος | θεοτήτων |
| Dative | θεότητι | θεότησι(ν) |
| Accusative | θεότητα | θεότητας |
| Vocative | θεότης | θεότητες |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes θεότης as “divinity” or “deity,” focusing on the essential and personal character of God. It emphasizes that θεότης refers to the nature or quality that makes God, God, highlighting its use in Colossians 2:9.
- Thayers: Defines θεότης as “Godhead” and “divine nature,” noting its specific use to express the complete fullness of God’s being, especially as it appears in Christ in the New Testament context.
- Vines: Explains θεότης as “divinity” or “the state of being God.” Vines distinguishes it from θεότης and θεότης, which describe divine attributes or manifestations rather than the essential being of God.
- LSJ: Indicates that θεότης is used in classical Greek literature to signify “divinity” or the “divine nature,” often in philosophical discussions about the nature of gods and the divine.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θεότης as “divinity,” referring to the “Godhead” or the divine essence. It underscores that the term represents the divine fullness and is distinct from mere godliness or godlike attributes.
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Related Scripture References
- Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him all the fullness of the Deity (θεότης) dwells in bodily form.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Timaeus | “And the soul is mingled with the θεότης of the cosmos, a reflection of the divine nature.” |
| Aristotle | Metaphysics | “The θεότης of the prime mover is pure actuality, devoid of potentiality, eternally in perfection.” |
| Philo | On the Creation | “Philo speaks of the θεότης as the divine reason pervading all things.” |
| Septuagint | Wisdom of Solomon 18:9 | “For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made a holy law that the saints should be alike partakers of the same benefits and dangers: the fathers now singing out the songs of praise. (θεότης)” |
| Septuagint | Sirach 43:29 | “The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his power. (θεότης)” |
| Septuagint | 2 Maccabees 7:28 | “I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.” (θεότης)” |
Summary of θεότης (G2320)
θεότης (theotēs), meaning “divinity” or “Godhead,” is a profound term that encapsulates the very nature of being God. It emphasizes the essence and fullness of God’s nature, distinguishing between divine attributes and the inherent qualities that define God as God. Used both in the New Testament and in classical literature, θεότης plays a crucial role in theological discussions about the nature of Christ and the divine. Its singular use in Colossians 2:9 underscores the belief in the complete fullness of God dwelling in Christ, making it a cornerstone term for understanding early Christian views on the nature of Jesus and God.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The term θεότης was not only significant in the theological discourse of early Christianity but also appeared in the philosophical writings of Plato and Aristotle, where it was used to explore the nature of divine beings and the cosmos. This cross-cultural use of the term highlights its importance in both religious and philosophical contexts, showing how ancient thinkers grappled with the concept of divinity.
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