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G4985 (σωματικῶς)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4985
Original Word: σωματικῶς
Transliteration: sōmatikōs
Pronunciation: so-mat-ee-koce'
Part of Speech: adverb
Root / Etymology: adverb from G4984 (σωματικός);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 2371

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 corporeally or physically

bodily

adverb from G4984 (σωματικός);

Commentary

Contributors:

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:

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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

Author: Work	Text
Plutarch: Moralia	"The divine manifests physically [σωματικῶς] in nature."
Aristotle: Metaphysics	"Matter exists bodily [σωματικῶς] in space."
Galen: On Medicine	"Health affects us corporeally [σωματικῶς]."

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

Part of speech: Adverb

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

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