Based on the previous blog, I received a question, How do you come to the definition of the Greek word “theos” (God) as PLACER? The well-known Lexicon to the New Testament of Dr. Spiros Zodhiates, says the following:
The most probable deriv. is from the verb theo, to place (see tithemi, Str. 5087). The heathen thought the gods were disposers (theteres, placers) and formers of all things.
The Keyword Concordance of the Concordant Literal New Testament presents the same origin of theos.
The verb appoint or place we also recognize in our word thesis, which is a proposition (anti-thesis = contrast, synthesis = composition). Below are some passages where the word theos is remarkable combined with tithemi, from which it was derived.
Romans 4:17
… A father of many nations have I appointed you — facing which, he believes it of the GOD …
1 Corinthians 12:18
Yet now GOD placed the members, each one of them, in the body according as He wills.
1Corinthians 12:28
…whom also GOD, indeed, placed in the ecclesia, first, apostles…
1Thessalonians 5:9
for GOD did not appoint us to indignation…
The Greek word theos is much more concrete than our word God. Theos refers to One Who appoints everything and gives it a place. Nothing takes place without Him giving it a place.
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Translation: Peter Feddema
