2305. theiotés
Lexical Summary
theiotés: Divinity, Divine Nature

Original Word: θεότης
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: theiotés
Pronunciation: thay-ot'-ace
Phonetic Spelling: (thi-ot'-ace)
KJV: godhead
NASB: divine nature
Word Origin: [from G2304 (θεῖος - divine)]

1. divinity (abstractly)

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 Origin
from theios
Definition
divinity, divine nature
NASB Translation
divine nature (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2305: θειότης

θειότης, θειότητος, , 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).
2. Accountability of Humanity. Because the divine nature is “clearly seen,” ignorance is not an excuse. Paul’s logic lays the groundwork for the doctrine of judgment based on available light (Romans 2:12-16).
3. Foundation for Worship. Recognizing God’s nature in creation calls humankind to honor and thank Him (Romans 1:21). Failure to respond properly leads to idolatry and moral decay, a progression the remainder of Romans 1 traces in detail.

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.
• θεῖος (2 Peter 1:3-4) is an adjective describing that which pertains to God, highlighting quality.

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.
2. Missions. The universality of revelation supports the urgency of taking the specific message of Christ to all nations (Romans 10:14-17).
3. Discipleship. Believers can cultivate worship by observing nature with theological eyes, turning wonder into praise (Psalm 104).
4. Ethical Instruction. Recognizing divine authority manifest in creation strengthens moral teaching on stewardship of the earth and respect for life.

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 theiótēs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 1:20 N-NFS
GRK: δύναμις καὶ θειότης εἰς τὸ
NAS: power and divine nature, have been clearly seen,
KJV: power and Godhead; so that they
INT: power and divinity for

Strong's Greek 2305
1 Occurrence


θειότης — 1 Occ.

2304
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