ΟΜΟΘΕΟΣ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ὁμόθεος denotes one who is "like a god, divine" or "equal to a god." Although not particularly frequent in classical literature, the word carries significant conceptual weight, positioning itself at the interface between the human and the divine, examining the possibilities and limits of human nature in relation to the transcendent dimension.

In philosophy, particularly in Plato and the Stoics, the idea of "likeness to God" (ὁμοίωσις θεῷ) constitutes a central goal of ethical and spiritual perfection. The ὁμόθεος is not merely someone who outwardly resembles a god, but rather one who has internally developed virtues and wisdom to such an extent as to approach the divine nature. This state implies a transcendence of common human weaknesses and an approximation to the eternal and immutable order.

Within a theological framework, especially in early Christian thought, the term, though not directly used for Christ in the sense of essence (where "ὁμοούσιος" is preferred), can refer to the human potential for deification (θέωσις). Deification, as the process by which a human becomes "god by grace," reflects a profound transformation that renders them "god-like" not by nature, but through divine energy and participation in the divine life.

Main Meanings

1. God-like, divine in nature/attributes — The primary meaning, referring to someone possessing qualities or characteristics similar to those of a god.
2. Equal to a god, having divine status — Implies a state of equivalence or superior honor, where a being is treated as equal to a deity.
3. (Philosophical) Perfect, virtuous like a god — In Platonic and Stoic philosophy, the wise or virtuous person who has attained a level of perfection that renders them akin to the divine.
4. (Theological) Partaking in the divine nature — In Christian theology, especially in the Eastern tradition, referring to the state of theosis, where man becomes "god by grace" through union with God.
5. (Poetic) Of divine origin or protection — More rarely, it may denote someone of divine lineage or under the direct protection of the gods.
6. (Figurative) Superhuman, exceptional — In a broader, metaphorical sense, someone with extraordinary abilities or gifts that make them almost divine.

Word Family

hom- (from homos, meaning 'same, similar') and the- (from theos, meaning 'divinity')

The word "homotheos" constitutes a compound of two fundamental Ancient Greek roots: "hom-" from "homos" (ὁμός), which denotes similarity, identity, or commonality, and "the-" from "theos" (θεός), which refers to divine nature and its attributes. This conjunction creates a rich conceptual field that explores the relationship between the human and the divine, the approximation of humanity to divinity, or the recognition of divine qualities in a being. The word family stemming from these roots illuminates various aspects of similarity, unity, and divine presence.

In Ancient Texts

The idea of likeness to the divine, though the term "homotheos" itself is rare, permeates ancient and Christian thought. Below are three characteristic passages that express this concept.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΟΜΟΘΕΟΣ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford University Press, 9th ed., 1940.
• Plato — Theaetetus.
• Seneca — Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium.
• Athanasius the Great — On the Incarnation of the Word.
• Lampe, G. W. H. — A Patristic Greek Lexicon. Oxford University Press, 1961.
• Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. (eds.) — Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1964-1976.
• Maximus the Confessor — Chapters on Charity. (PG 90, 963-1080)