The Term, Godhead

[AW Bowman]

When I lost my computer and back up data earlier this year, I lost most of my translation material as well. The following is an attempt to reconstruct that original effort.

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The attached word document goes into a little more detail, but the bottom line translation of the three KJV passages that contain the term Godhead, should more appropriately be translated as follows (See the attached translation document for a greater detail of the process.):


Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead [the one true God] is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man\s device.

G2304 [Theios]
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Romans 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 [the divine nature of God]; so that they are without excuse: (so…: or, that they may be)

G2305 [Theiots]

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Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead [the state of being God, i.e. the essence of God’s deity expressed] bodily.
G2320 [Theots]

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What we have are three different Greek words signifying three different aspects of God’s deity all being translated into one English word that is not well defined. The term Godhead does not even exist in any original language text.
Can there be any god’s in deity? Not really. For if “deity” contained God, then the attributes of deity would be greater than God. The attributes, elements and composition of those things which express “deity” are contained within and defined by God, Himself, not the other way around. Therefore God contains His own deity; He is not contained within nor defined by His “deity” (as comprehended by mankind).

Conclusion:

(1) There are no gods in the Godhead, not even one.
(2) All discussions based on the misunderstood and the misused term, are discussions based on one or more false premises and are without validly.
(3) The arguments are not over “how many gods are there?”, but rather over how different people perceive God’s deity. And, there are no scriptural requirements for salvation based on [b]knowing and understanding [b] the [u]elements, nature, andor composition of God’s deity[u] (Isaiah 40:28, Romans 11:33-36) beyond those expressly identified by Jesus and His Apostles. (Perhaps someone would care to list them here?)

Arguments arising from these mistranslations and interpretations of scripture have resulted in brothers and sisters judging each other harshly. So, rather than building up (edifying), encouraging and bringing unity to the body of Christ, we have been actively engaged in tearing it down and creating divisions – and that should never be! [file name=Godhead_Translation-ae4980e56ff770a396641f66d22a674a.doc size=116224]http:hashaliach.comimagesfbfilesfilesGodhead_Translation-ae4980e56ff770a396641f66d22a674a.doc[file]

[AW Bowman]

While I have presented one view of the issue concerning the use of the term, Godhead, there is another view that requires examination.

The article contains additional information on the use and translation of the Greek into English and how \"it should be\" understood in its three different applications. I can agree with much of the author\s work, put, it falls a little short in the justification for its continued use.

I have included it here as an attachment.

Comments are welcome.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I like The KJV,and I am thankful for our English bibles,since King James had a Catholic background,and The Church Of England is bust off of The RCC, there is some Catholic influence in our KJV.
Words such as Easter,and Jehovah are copyist errors,of course The Bible is inspired and reliable and certainly the scriptures are God breathed.
Diety is a better word than Godhead,since the idea of three divine beings who are called God came from Nimrod and Babylon it certainly deviates from the monotheism of the faith of Abraham.

[AW Bowman]

Attempting to add the dropped attachment from my above post.

Doesn't work. When opening atext file the upload software automatically appends the extension .doc, which is not allowed to be uploaded.

[Ryan Gustason]

Try again. I might have fixed it.

[AW Bowman]

Thanks Chief.

Tried it and it worked as advertised.

And, welcome back!

[Ryan Gustason]

Thanks Chief.

Tried it and it worked as advertised.

And, welcome back!

Thanks!