θεῖος
divine
Definition
The adjective θεῖος means 'divine' or 'pertaining to God.' It describes that which belongs to or originates from the divine nature or realm. In its substantive form, it can refer to 'the Deity' or 'the divine being' (Acts 17:29). In 2 Peter, it is used to describe the 'divine power' that grants believers everything for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and the 'divine nature' in which believers participate (2 Peter 1:4).
Biblical Usage
θεῖος appears only three times in the New Testament, all in distinct contexts. In Acts 17:29, Paul uses it substantively ('the divine being') in his Areopagus speech to argue against idolatry. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, it is used adjectivally to describe God's 'divine power' and the 'divine nature' shared with believers, emphasizing the transformative resources provided through Christ. Its usage is exclusively in theological or apologetic discourse.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek noun θεός (theos, G2316), meaning 'god' or 'deity.' The suffix -ιος forms an adjective, giving the sense 'belonging to or characteristic of a god.' It is a primary adjective in Greek for expressing divine quality or origin.
Semantic Range
This word is crucial for understanding the New Testament's teaching on God's nature and human participation in it. In 2 Peter 1:4, the promise that believers may 'participate in the divine nature' (θείας φύσεως) is a cornerstone of the doctrine of sanctification and deification (theosis), highlighting transformation through God's power and promises. It contrasts the living God with inert idols (Acts 17:29), enriching our view of God's immanence and transcendence.
In the Greco-Roman world, 'divine' (θεῖος) was a broad term applied to gods, emperors, and even exceptional humans. The New Testament reclaims this term exclusively for the one true God and His attributes, countering pagan polytheism. In Acts 17, Paul uses it in a philosophical context familiar to his Athenian audience to point to the Creator who cannot be represented by idols.
θεός (theos, G2316) — The noun 'God' or 'deity,' whereas θεῖος is the adjective 'divine.' | ἅγιος (hagios, G40) — 'Holy,' emphasizing moral purity and separation, while θεῖος focuses on divine essence or origin.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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