theosis
|the-o-sis|
🇺🇸
/θiːˈoʊsɪs/
🇬🇧
/θiːˈəʊsɪs/
becoming divine
Etymology
'theosis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'theōsis', where 'theos' meant 'god' and the suffix '-sis' meant 'process or action'.
'theosis' entered Late Latin and Medieval Latin theological vocabulary as 'theosis' from Greek 'theōsis' and was later adopted into English as a technical theological term.
Initially, it meant 'the process of becoming god' or 'deification' in Greek theological usage; over time it has remained largely consistent, denoting union with or participation in the divine.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in Eastern Orthodox and some Christian theological traditions, the process by which a person becomes united with God or partakes in the divine nature; divinization.
In Eastern Orthodox theology, theosis describes the believer's gradual participation in the divine life.
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Noun 2
a broader spiritual or mystical idea of becoming godlike or transformed toward a divine state (used outside strict theological contexts).
Some modern writers use the concept of theosis metaphorically to describe deep spiritual transformation.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 13:51