σωματικός (sōmatikos)
sōmatikos
bodily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sōmatikos describes something that is bodily or corporeal in nature. It derives from the word for "body" (sōma) and serves as a direct descriptor of physical reality. In Scripture, it appears only twice, yet its usage highlights the tangible aspect of existence against abstract concepts.
In Luke 3:22, the term modifies "form" or "shape" to describe the visible appearance of the Holy Spirit descending like a dove. Here, it emphasizes the concrete, sensory reality of the event for the observers. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul contrasts "bodily training" with godliness. While physical exercise has some value, he suggests its benefits are limited to this life, unlike spiritual discipline which yields eternal fruit.
The word functions as a neutral descriptor of the physical realm. It does not inherently carry moral weight but rather distinguishes the material from the spiritual. Translators typically render it simply as "bodily," preserving the clear distinction between physical effort and spiritual growth that the text intends to convey.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sōmatikos points us toward the tangible reality of our physical existence. In Luke 3:22, it describes the visible form of the Holy Spirit descending like a dove. This detail reminds us that God is not distant or abstract; He enters into our concrete world and meets us in sensory, real ways. The divine touches the material, affirming that our physical lives matter to Him.
Paul also uses this term in 1 Timothy 4:8 when discussing bodily training. He acknowledges that physical exercise has some value, yet he contrasts it with godliness, which holds promise for both this life and the next. This distinction helps us balance our care for the body without making it the center of our hope. We honor God by stewarding our health while keeping our focus on eternal spiritual growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in a bodily1×
- bodily1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σωματικῷ1×
- σωματικὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:22
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.”
This verse uses sōmatikos to describe the visible, sensory reality of the Holy Spirit's descent, grounding the divine encounter in physical form.
-
I Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come.
Here Paul contrasts bodily training with godliness, showing that while physical discipline has limited value, spiritual growth yields eternal fruit.