Various terms using “theo,” including the etymology.
Prefix “Theo-” = God (from Greek theos)
1. Theocracy
Meaning: Rule or government under God’s authority.
Other Part: -cracy = rule, power (kratos).
2. Theodicy
Meaning: Defense of God’s goodness amidst the existence of evil and suffering.
Other Part: -dicy from dikē = justice → “the justice of God.”
3. Theology
Meaning: The study of God—His nature, works, will, and revelation.
Other Part: -logy = word, reason, study (logos).
4. Theophany
Meaning: A visible or tangible appearance of God to humans.
Other Part: -phany from phainein = to appear, to show.
5. Theonomy (theonomous)
Meaning: God’s law as the supreme standard for ethics and society.
Other Part: -nomy from nomos = law.
6. Theophilus
Meaning: “Loved by God” or “lover of God.”
Other Part: -philus from philos = love, friend.
7. Theosis
Meaning: Growing into the likeness of God; participation in God’s life (similar to sanctification).
Other Part: -osis = process or condition of becoming.
8. Theocrat
Meaning: A ruler who claims divine authority or advocates God-rule.
Other Part: -crat = ruler (kratos).
9. Theurgy
Meaning: Ritual actions intended to invoke divine presence or activity (historical term).
Other Part: -urgy from ergon = work → “divine work.”
10. Theosophy
Meaning: Mystical/occult philosophy claiming insight into divine realities (not Christian orthodoxy).
Other Part: -sophy from sophia = wisdom.
11. Theocentric
Meaning: God-centered in outlook, ethics, and life.
Other Part: -centric from kentron = center.
