ἰατρός (iatros)
iatros
physician
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun iatros simply means a physician or doctor. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus references medical care to illustrate spiritual truths. The word derives from a root meaning "to heal," linking the professional role directly to the act of restoration.
Jesus uses this term in a striking metaphor when responding to criticism about dining with sinners. He states that those who are well have no need of a physician, but only those who are sick (Matthew 9:12; Mark 2:17). This comparison highlights his mission to seek out the spiritually broken rather than the self-sufficient. The Gospels also mention specific doctors in passing, such as Luke, which aligns with the historical recognition of medical professionals in the first century.
While the term itself is straightforward, its theological weight lies in the analogy it draws between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness. It suggests that recognizing one’s need for help is the first step toward receiving care, a theme central to the Gospel message found in these passages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word iatros simply means a doctor or physician, yet Jesus uses it to describe His own mission in a way that invites everyone into His care. In passages like Matthew 9:12, He notes that those who are well have no need of a physician, but only those who are sick. This metaphor gently reminds us that spiritual health often begins with the honest admission that we are not whole on our own.
It is easy to feel discouraged when we recognize our brokenness, but this word offers hope rather than shame. The Gospels show Jesus seeking out those who know their need, much like a skilled doctor treating a patient who has tried every other remedy without success (Mark 5:26). Your faith journey does not require you to appear perfect; it requires you to come as you are.
Even Luke, the author of one Gospel and a physician himself, reminds us that professional skill is part of God’s created order. Whether we look to medical care or spiritual grace, both point toward restoration. You are invited to bring your struggles to Jesus, knowing He specializes in healing what is broken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a physician3×
- physicians1×
- physician1×
- on physicians1×
- Physician1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰατροῦ3×
- ἰατρῶν1×
- ἰατρὸς1×
- ἰατρέ,1×
- ἰατροῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:12
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Jesus uses the term to define His mission as one directed specifically toward those who recognize their spiritual sickness.
-
Mark 5:26
and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,
This verse highlights the limits of human medical effort, setting the stage for Jesus' power to heal where physicians failed.
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Colossians 4:14
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Luke is identified here as a physician, showing that professional healing roles are affirmed within the early Christian community.