θεότης (theotēs)
theotēs
deity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun theotēs refers to the state or quality of being God, often translated as "deity" or "Godhead." It describes the essential nature and divine essence rather than a specific person or action. In the New Testament, this term is rare, appearing only once in Colossians 2:9.
In that verse, Paul writes that in Christ "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." This usage emphasizes that Jesus possesses the complete nature of God in a physical body. The word highlights the reality of God's presence within the incarnation, affirming that Christ is not merely a representative but embodies divine essence itself.
Lexical sources note its close connection to theos, meaning "God," forming a noun that denotes the abstract concept of divinity. Its singular occurrence in Scripture gives it significant theological weight, serving as a key term for understanding the unity and fullness of God in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word theotēs points to the very essence of what it means to be God. It is not about a specific action or role, but the underlying nature of divinity itself. In Colossians 2:9, Paul uses this rare term to declare that in Jesus, the complete fullness of God’s nature resides in bodily form.
This truth offers deep comfort for your faith. You do not need to look elsewhere for God’s presence or power because it is fully present in Christ. The incarnation was not a partial revelation; it was the complete reality of Deity taking on human flesh. This affirms that Jesus is truly God, sharing the same divine essence as the Father.
When you face uncertainty or spiritual dryness, remember this foundation. Your Savior is not just a moral teacher or a prophet. He is the embodiment of God’s own nature. This certainty anchors your hope in something unshakable and eternal.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Deity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεότητος1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:9
For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily,
This verse uniquely uses theotēs to affirm that Jesus possesses the complete divine nature in physical form, distinguishing him from mere representatives of God.