θεός (theos)
theos
God
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1,169 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word theos refers to a divine being, functioning as the standard term for God in both the Old and New Testaments. Its meaning shifts depending on context: it can denote any deity in polytheistic settings, as seen when Paul describes pagan idols in Acts 14:11, or it points specifically to the one true God who created and sustains all things.
Christians have understood this term to encompass the fullness of the divine nature. While often translated simply as "God," its usage carries significant weight. In John 1:1, for example, the anarthrous use highlights the qualitative nature of the Word’s divinity, distinguishing it from a mere reference to a person. The sources note that it also appears in titles for human judges or rulers, reflecting their role as God’s representatives on earth.
The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the gap between the ancient world’s many gods and the monotheistic faith of Israel. It serves as the foundation for theological statements about God’s character, such as His righteousness in Romans 3:5 or His fatherhood in Matthew 6:9. Translators rely on this single term to convey both the majesty of the Creator and the intimacy of a personal relationship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word theos is the standard Greek term for God, appearing nearly a thousand times in the New Testament. It bridges the gap between the ancient world’s many deities and the monotheistic faith of Israel. While it can refer to pagan idols or human judges, its primary use points to the one true Creator who sustains all things. This versatility allows the text to convey both the majesty of God as Lord and the intimacy of His personal relationship with people.
In your daily life, this word reminds you that the God who clothes the grass of the field (Matthew 6:30) also knows your needs before you ask. It is not just a title for a distant ruler but a name for the Father who seeks a genuine connection. When Scripture calls Him God, it invites trust in His character and provision.
Understanding this term helps clarify how Christians view divine authority and care. Whether referring to the God of Israel or the Father of Jesus Christ, theos anchors our faith in a reality that is both transcendent and near. This foundation supports theological statements about His righteousness and love, offering stability in uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1,169 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- God517×
- of God330×
- of God.87×
- God,68×
- of God,63×
- God.57×
- to God43×
- God;32×
- to God.19×
- of God?12×
- of God;12×
- to God,8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεοῦ468×
- θεὸς250×
- θεῷ103×
- θεοῦ,93×
- θεὸν84×
- θεοῦ.68×
- θεοῦ.¶38×
- θεός,32×
- θεόν,25×
- θεοῦ·23×
- θεῷ.21×
- θεῷ,14×
Key Verses
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse uses the word to highlight God’s initiating love toward the world, establishing the motive for sending His Son.
-
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Here the term appears in a beatitude, linking moral purity with the ultimate spiritual reward of seeing God face-to-face.
-
Matthew 6:30
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?
Jesus uses the word to contrast human worry with God’s attentive care for creation, urging trust over anxiety.
-
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
The title Immanuel translates to 'God with us,' using the term to affirm the divine presence in Jesus’ incarnation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word theos mean?
How is theos different from Kyrios?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Does the word ever refer to false gods?
Every Occurrence (1,169 verses across 27 books)
Matthew 47 verses
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is,…
Matthew 3:9Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…
Matthew 3:16Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 4:3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Matthew 4:4But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…
Matthew 4:6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…
Matthew 4:7Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Matthew 5:34but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
Matthew 6:8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one…
Matthew 6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much…
Matthew 6:33But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 8:29Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 12:4how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were…
Matthew 12:28But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.
Matthew 14:33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
Matthew 15:3He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Matthew 15:4For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to…
Matthew 15:6he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…
Matthew 16:16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…
Matthew 19:6So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 19:24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s…
Matthew 19:26Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…
Matthew 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…
Matthew 21:43“Therefore I tell you, God’s Kingdom will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation producing its fruit.
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 22:21They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God…
Matthew 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
Matthew 22:31But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,
Matthew 22:32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the…
Matthew 22:37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 23:22He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it.
Matthew 26:61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”
Matthew 26:63But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…
Matthew 27:40and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down…
Matthew 27:43He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
Matthew 27:46About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why…
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were…