Terminology in the Holy Bible – God

The lecture explains the meaning of the word “God” in the Holy Bible, and how it is used in different contexts, distinguishing between the true Creator and the symbolic or descriptive uses of the term.

🔹 First: “God” as the Creator

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III clarifies that the primary meaning of “God” is the Creator, as expressed in Isaiah, Exodus, and other Old Testament texts affirming that there is no God besides the Lord.

🔹 Second: The “gods” of the pagans

He explains that the Bible uses the same term to describe the gods of the nations, although they are not real gods, but demons or idols according to the people’s perception or reputation.

🔹 Third: “God” meaning lord or master

In some passages the word “God” is used as a title for humans with authority, as in Psalm 82. This is symbolic and does not refer to true divinity.

🔹 Fourth: Using the title “God” for Moses

His Holiness explains that when God told Moses, “I have made you a god to Pharaoh,” the meaning is authority and leadership in speech, not true deity.

🔹 Fifth: Responding to those who deny the divinity of Christ

His Holiness emphasizes that the title “God” used for Christ was not a casual title, but came within passages proving His divinity clearly, such as:

• “All things were made through Him.”

• “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him.”

• “Who is over all, God blessed forever.”

📚 The spiritual essence

His Holiness affirms that understanding terminology accurately preserves the Orthodox faith and prevents misinterpretation that leads to heresies, and that the Bible clearly reveals the divinity of Christ and the uniqueness of the Creator.

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