Today we will be discussing the meaning of the term Godhead. I think based on the use of the word in many churches, many are misunderstanding this term. The term in its simple meaning means DIVINE HEAD or Authority. The bible is clear on identifying who exactly is the Divine Authority in scripture and we will be looking at all the scriptures that mention this term or idea. The word Godhead is mentioned only 3 times in scripture, and we will be examining how these words are used in order for us to use the term correctly.
Lets begin looking at Romans chapter 1 verses 18 to 21 which states,
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Paul is revealing to us that the people to whom our Father revealed His truth to are not retaining it or desiring this truth and revelation of God. It says in verse 20 that by the creation God has revealed Himself including the revelation of His power and Godhead. The word Godhead here in Greek is THEIOTES which means divinity or divine nature. The word is usually used by the church to refer to a Triune group of divine beings but according to this verse it is simply showing His nature or the type of God He is by the things He made. Amen, How our God desires to reveal not only His power but also His nature or Character through everything He made that we can see. This is why verse 20 says that we are without excuse. We ought know Him personally and intimately.
This is very important to God that we know and understand who He is. The Son of God mentions this importance in John chapter 17 verse 3 which says,
Joh 17:3 And THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, that they might KNOW thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
The eternal life of the believer is directly affected by whether or not we know The ONLY true God and His Son. Many ask if things are salvific and by this scripture it shows that this is definitely the most important thing.
We see that in Romans chapter 1 verse 20, the word Godhead is referring to His nature or character which can be seen by examining His Creation. The next verse we will take a look at is Colossians chapter 2 verse 9 which says,
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
The word in verse 9 in Greek is Theotes which is meaning the Divine power, and also indicates possession of the power to a deity. Verse 9 mention the “fullness of” meaning that the fullness belong to someone else. Then the word Godhead is used to refer to whom and what He is receiving. Looking at the context of verse 10, it shows us that when the messiah receives this Fullness of the Godhead, He Himself becomes the HEAD of power and principalities. To understand this more lets take alook at Colossians chapter 1 verses 19 and 20 which states,
Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him(His Son) should all fullness dwell;
Col 1:20 And, (Father)having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him(His Son) to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Verse 19 clearly shows that the Father is pleased that HIS fullness dwells in His Son FULLY. Then it also reveals that the Father is using His Son by working IN HIM to bring the world back to Himself. The Father Himself being very active in salvation reveals that He puts HIS OWN fullness into His Son to empower Him to fulfill the Fathers will. Proving the “Fullness of the Godhead” is actually the fullness of the Father. The word Godhead identifies The Father as the Godhead in verse 9 of Colossians chapter 2. Another verse that indicates this truth is in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17 to 20,
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that GOD WAS IN CHRIST, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We see clearly that the fullness that was in Christ reconciling Us back to God was the Father Himself. It says in verse 19 that God was IN Christ, using Him to bring us back to union with Himself. It is sin which separates us (Isaiah 59:2), That is why He sent His son to bridge the gap and take away the sins of the world(John 1:19). The Son of God Himself constantly gave Glory and credit to His Father knowing it was His Father IN HIM empowering everything that He did while on this earth(John 5:19). So the term “Fullness of the Godhead” means Fullness of the Father.
Now lets look at our final verses which uses the term Godhead. Lets look at Acts chapter 17. Before we dissect the scriptures let me give a little bit of a back drop on what’s going on in the chapter. Starting from verse 22 to 31 Paul is in a Greek town called mars Hill and He notices a plethora of idols and devotions to false gods, then he noticed a devotion to a UNKNOWN god. Paul then goes into explaining to them that He knows this unknown God. Lets look at these verses.
Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
We see that the term Godhead here is actually identifying one individual. Verse 29 is saying that the Godhead is not like gold or any earthly material. This Greek word for Godhead is Theios which means divine one. In this context the word Godhead is identifying a single deity as well as describing the type of entity He is, which is divine. We clearly see that from 22 to 31 Paul is here revealing one being, and the evidence shows that it is the Father. Especially verse 31 which says that God appointed a man which the context clearly shows the man is The Son of God, because it says “in that he hath raised him from the dead.” We see here that the Godhead raised the Son of God from the dead. So we clearly see the term is used to identify one entity which is the Father.
The interesting thing is that the Greek word for Godhead in Acts chapter 17 verse 29 is Theios. This word is also mentioned another place in scripture. Lets look at 2nd Peter chapter 1 verses 3 and 4 which says,
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It says that we partake in the divine ones nature, we as born again children of God are also partakers of His Godhead so to speak. This shows us that we become one with the Father by His son who is in us. The Term Godhead is clear and helps us understand the one true God. The Godhead does not refer to 3 beings or a trinity. It refers to the Father and His nature and power. This nature and power is manifested in His Son and as we receive the son in our hearts, we partake in this power and nature as well. Understanding terms used in the bible is very important because, if there it shapes our thinking when studying scripture. We should always allow scripture to interpret itself and the spirit lead our thinking. I hope this study was clear and simple to understand. If there is any questions and comments feel free to contact me.
-Jahdiel Newman
Lets begin looking at Romans chapter 1 verses 18 to 21 which states,
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Paul is revealing to us that the people to whom our Father revealed His truth to are not retaining it or desiring this truth and revelation of God. It says in verse 20 that by the creation God has revealed Himself including the revelation of His power and Godhead. The word Godhead here in Greek is THEIOTES which means divinity or divine nature. The word is usually used by the church to refer to a Triune group of divine beings but according to this verse it is simply showing His nature or the type of God He is by the things He made. Amen, How our God desires to reveal not only His power but also His nature or Character through everything He made that we can see. This is why verse 20 says that we are without excuse. We ought know Him personally and intimately.
This is very important to God that we know and understand who He is. The Son of God mentions this importance in John chapter 17 verse 3 which says,
Joh 17:3 And THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, that they might KNOW thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
The eternal life of the believer is directly affected by whether or not we know The ONLY true God and His Son. Many ask if things are salvific and by this scripture it shows that this is definitely the most important thing.
We see that in Romans chapter 1 verse 20, the word Godhead is referring to His nature or character which can be seen by examining His Creation. The next verse we will take a look at is Colossians chapter 2 verse 9 which says,
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
The word in verse 9 in Greek is Theotes which is meaning the Divine power, and also indicates possession of the power to a deity. Verse 9 mention the “fullness of” meaning that the fullness belong to someone else. Then the word Godhead is used to refer to whom and what He is receiving. Looking at the context of verse 10, it shows us that when the messiah receives this Fullness of the Godhead, He Himself becomes the HEAD of power and principalities. To understand this more lets take alook at Colossians chapter 1 verses 19 and 20 which states,
Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him(His Son) should all fullness dwell;
Col 1:20 And, (Father)having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him(His Son) to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Verse 19 clearly shows that the Father is pleased that HIS fullness dwells in His Son FULLY. Then it also reveals that the Father is using His Son by working IN HIM to bring the world back to Himself. The Father Himself being very active in salvation reveals that He puts HIS OWN fullness into His Son to empower Him to fulfill the Fathers will. Proving the “Fullness of the Godhead” is actually the fullness of the Father. The word Godhead identifies The Father as the Godhead in verse 9 of Colossians chapter 2. Another verse that indicates this truth is in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17 to 20,
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that GOD WAS IN CHRIST, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We see clearly that the fullness that was in Christ reconciling Us back to God was the Father Himself. It says in verse 19 that God was IN Christ, using Him to bring us back to union with Himself. It is sin which separates us (Isaiah 59:2), That is why He sent His son to bridge the gap and take away the sins of the world(John 1:19). The Son of God Himself constantly gave Glory and credit to His Father knowing it was His Father IN HIM empowering everything that He did while on this earth(John 5:19). So the term “Fullness of the Godhead” means Fullness of the Father.
Now lets look at our final verses which uses the term Godhead. Lets look at Acts chapter 17. Before we dissect the scriptures let me give a little bit of a back drop on what’s going on in the chapter. Starting from verse 22 to 31 Paul is in a Greek town called mars Hill and He notices a plethora of idols and devotions to false gods, then he noticed a devotion to a UNKNOWN god. Paul then goes into explaining to them that He knows this unknown God. Lets look at these verses.
Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
We see that the term Godhead here is actually identifying one individual. Verse 29 is saying that the Godhead is not like gold or any earthly material. This Greek word for Godhead is Theios which means divine one. In this context the word Godhead is identifying a single deity as well as describing the type of entity He is, which is divine. We clearly see that from 22 to 31 Paul is here revealing one being, and the evidence shows that it is the Father. Especially verse 31 which says that God appointed a man which the context clearly shows the man is The Son of God, because it says “in that he hath raised him from the dead.” We see here that the Godhead raised the Son of God from the dead. So we clearly see the term is used to identify one entity which is the Father.
The interesting thing is that the Greek word for Godhead in Acts chapter 17 verse 29 is Theios. This word is also mentioned another place in scripture. Lets look at 2nd Peter chapter 1 verses 3 and 4 which says,
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It says that we partake in the divine ones nature, we as born again children of God are also partakers of His Godhead so to speak. This shows us that we become one with the Father by His son who is in us. The Term Godhead is clear and helps us understand the one true God. The Godhead does not refer to 3 beings or a trinity. It refers to the Father and His nature and power. This nature and power is manifested in His Son and as we receive the son in our hearts, we partake in this power and nature as well. Understanding terms used in the bible is very important because, if there it shapes our thinking when studying scripture. We should always allow scripture to interpret itself and the spirit lead our thinking. I hope this study was clear and simple to understand. If there is any questions and comments feel free to contact me.
-Jahdiel Newman