Lexical Summary theiotés: Divinity, Divine Nature Original Word: θεότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance godhead. From theios; divinity (abstractly) -- godhead. see GREEK theios HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2305 theiótēs (a feminine noun derived from 2304 /theíos, "divine," which is derived from 2316 /theós, "God") – properly, deity manifested, i.e. the revelation of God (His attributes) which reveals Himself for people to know (used only in Ro 1:20). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom theios Definition divinity, divine nature NASB Translation divine nature (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2305: θειότηςθειότης, θειότητος, ἡ, divinity, divine nature: Romans 1:20. (Wis. 18:9; Philo in opif. § 61 at the end; Plutarch, symp. 665 a.; Lucian, calumn. c. 17.) (Synonym: see θεότης.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage The term appears once in the New Testament, Romans 1:20, where Paul writes, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Here the word identifies the intrinsic, observable quality of being God that creation itself communicates. Context in Romans 1 Paul introduces the concept in a passage that moves from general revelation to human culpability. By appealing to what can be perceived through created order, he establishes an unanswerable indictment: every person has encountered unmistakable testimony to God’s reality and character. The single appearance of the term thus plays a pivotal role in grounding the epistle’s sweeping declaration that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and require the gospel. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of God. The word underscores that the Creator has not left Himself without witness. His “divine nature” permeates everything He has made, ensuring that knowledge of Him is universal (Psalm 19:1-4; Acts 14:17). Historical Background First-century audiences were familiar with philosophical talk of “divine” qualities in nature. Stoic thinkers spoke of a pervasive “divine principle,” while popular religion populated the cosmos with lesser deities. Paul’s use of the term does not borrow their pantheistic notions; rather, he reorients the vocabulary to Israel’s God, the one Maker of heaven and earth. Monotheistic Scripture was thus proclaimed in language the Greco-Roman world could recognize, yet transformed to exalt the Lord alone (Isaiah 45:5-6). Relationship to Other Biblical Terms • θεότης (Colossians 2:9) refers to the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ, stressing essence. The present word points to divine nature as discernible in works, complementing the others by emphasizing external manifestation. Old Testament Echoes While the exact Greek term is absent from the Septuagint, its concept echoes passages where creation reveals God’s glory (Genesis 1; Job 38-41; Psalm 8; Psalm 19). Paul draws on this rich background, weaving together Hebrew revelation and Greek terminology. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Apologetics. Romans 1:20 encourages appeal to the created order when presenting the gospel, confident that every hearer already encounters evidence of God. Doctrinal Summary The lone New Testament occurrence of this word anchors the doctrine of general revelation: God’s works disclose His nature, leaving humanity without excuse, preparing the way for the fuller revelation of salvation in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations θειοτης θειότης theiotes theiotēs theiótes theiótēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |