The Mother of God in Greek is known as Theotokos (Θεοτόκος).
This single Greek word encapsulates a profound theological concept within Christianity, particularly prominent in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, referring to the Virgin Mary.
Understanding Theotokos: The God-Bearer
The term Theotokos directly translates to "God-bearer" or "one who gave birth to God." It is a composite word formed from two essential Greek terms:
| Greek Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Theos | God |
| Tiktein | To give birth |
Therefore, Theotokos affirms that Mary is indeed the mother of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be fully God and fully human. This designation is not meant to imply that Mary existed before God or is the source of God's divinity. Instead, it affirms the divinity of her Son from the moment of conception, recognizing that the person she bore was truly God incarnate.
Theological Significance
The use of Theotokos is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming key beliefs about Jesus Christ and Mary:
- Incarnation of Christ: It emphasizes that Jesus, born of Mary, is one person who is both divine and human. Mary did not simply give birth to a human being who later became divine, but rather to the Son of God who had taken on human flesh. This aligns with the teaching that the "Word was made flesh" (John 1:14).
- Mary's Unique Role: It highlights Mary's unique and central role in salvation history as the vessel through whom God entered the world in human form. It is considered a counterpoint that sums up the meaning of Luke's phrase, "Mother of the Lord" (Luke 1:43).
- Orthodoxy: The term Theotokos was formally affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD as a safeguard against theological errors that sought to separate the divine and human natures of Christ.
Usage and Importance
The term Theotokos is widely used in liturgical contexts, hymns, and theological writings across various Christian denominations, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where reverence for the Theotokos holds a central place in piety and worship. It serves as a constant reminder of the profound mystery of the Incarnation and Mary's pivotal role in God's plan of salvation.
For more information on the meaning and significance of Theotokos, you can refer to theological resources like those provided by the University of Dayton.
