from θεός; godlike (neuter as noun, divinity):-- divine, godhead.
Transliteration:theîos
Pronunciation:thi'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word θεῖος (theîos, `{{G2304}}`) is primarily an adjective derived from θεός (theos, `{{G2316}}`), meaning "God." Its core meaning is "divine," "godlike," or "pertaining to God." It describes that which originates from God, belongs to God, or shares the inherent characteristics of God. When used in the neuter singular, τὸ θεῖον (to theion), it functions as a noun, referring to the "divine nature," "divinity," or "Godhead" in an abstract sense, signifying the essence or quality of being divine. Unlike theos, which refers to God as a personal being, theîos typically describes attributes, qualities, or powers that are inherent to or flow from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word theîos appears in three significant New Testament contexts, each illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Acts 17:29]]**: In Paul's sermon on Mars Hill, he declares, "Forasmuch then as we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man." Here, τὸ θεῖον (to theion) refers to the "divine nature" or "Godhead" in an abstract sense. Paul uses it to contrast the true, living God—whose essence is beyond human crafting and material representation—with the idols worshipped by the Athenians. This usage underscores God's transcendence and His ineffable, non-material being.
* **[[Romans 1:20]]**: Paul states, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." While the specific word theîos is not explicitly translated as "divine nature" in all English versions (some render θεῖα as "divine" modifying "power"), the underlying concept of divine attributes is clearly present. The context speaks of God's self-revelation through creation, where His inherent qualities and power are so evident that humanity is left without excuse for not acknowledging Him. This highlights the discernible aspects of God's nature in the created order.
* **[[2 Peter 1:3-4]]**: This passage offers the most profound theological insight into theîos.
* In [[2 Peter 1:3]], "as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness..." θείας δυνάμεως (theias dynameos) refers to the power that belongs to God and emanates from Him, which is the source of all spiritual provisions for believers.
* In [[2 Peter 1:4]], "...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως (theias koinonoi physeos) describes believers becoming "partakers of the divine nature." This does not imply becoming divine in essence, but rather sharing in the moral and spiritual attributes of God—His holiness, love, truth, and righteousness—as they are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. It speaks to a profound spiritual transformation and participation in God's character, enabling believers to live a life free from worldly corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **θεός (theos, `{{G2316}}`):** The foundational word for God, from which theîos is derived. theîos describes qualities or aspects of theos.
* **θεότης (theotēs, `{{G2320}}`):** Found in [[Colossians 2:9]], meaning "deity" or "Godhead." This term emphasizes the complete, essential being of God, particularly as fully embodied in Christ. It speaks to the absolute essence of God.
* **θειότης (theiotēs, `{{G2319}}`):** Found in [[Romans 1:20]] (often translated as "divinity" or "divine nature"), this word refers to the quality or attribute of being divine. It is very close in meaning to the neuter substantive use of theîos and theotēs, though some scholars suggest subtle distinctions, with theiotēs perhaps emphasizing the external manifestation of divine qualities, and theotēs the internal essence.
* **Holiness (ἁγιότης hagiotēs, `{{G40}}` hagios):** The divine nature is inherently holy. Partaking in the divine nature involves a progressive conformity to God's holiness.
* **Power (δύναμις dynamis, `{{G1411}}`):** Explicitly linked to theîos in [[2 Peter 1:3]] as "divine power," highlighting God's active capability and might.
* **Knowledge of God (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis, `{{G1922}}`):** The knowledge of God is central to receiving His divine power and participating in His nature ([[2 Peter 1:3]]).
### Theological Significance
The term theîos holds profound theological significance:
1. **God's Uniqueness and Revelation:** In [[Acts 17:29]] and [[Romans 1:20]], theîos underscores God's absolute uniqueness and transcendence, distinguishing Him from all created things and human constructs. Yet, it also affirms His immanence, as His "divine nature" is clearly revealed through His creation, making Him knowable and leaving humanity without excuse.
2. **The Source of Spiritual Life and Transformation:** [[2 Peter 1:3-4]] reveals theîos as the wellspring of all that is necessary for life and godliness. God's "divine power" is the enabling force for salvation and spiritual growth. The astonishing promise of becoming "partakers of the divine nature" signifies a profound spiritual transformation for believers. This participation is not a metaphysical deification, but a moral and spiritual conformity to God's character, where believers increasingly reflect His attributes of holiness, righteousness, and love through the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby escaping the corruption prevalent in the world.
3. **The Goal of Christian Life:** The concept of partaking in the divine nature points to the ultimate goal of the Christian life: to be conformed to the image of Christ ([[Romans 8:29]]), reflecting the glory and character of God. It highlights the divine initiative and provision in making such a transformation possible for humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word θεῖος (theîos, `{{G2304}}`) denotes that which is "divine" or "godlike," stemming from θεός (theos, `{{G2316}}`). It describes attributes, powers, or the very nature of God. In [[Acts 17:29]], τὸ θεῖον refers to the transcendent "divine nature" of God, which cannot be represented by human idols. [[Romans 1:20]] implies that God's "divine nature" is evident in creation, leaving humanity accountable. Most significantly, [[2 Peter 1:3-4]] reveals God's "divine power" as the source of salvation and godliness, leading to the profound promise that believers can become "partakers of the divine nature." This participation signifies a spiritual transformation into God's moral and spiritual likeness, enabled by His promises and power, and resulting in freedom from worldly corruption. Thus, theîos encapsulates the majesty of God's character, His active power in human redemption, and the glorious destiny of believers to increasingly reflect His likeness.
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