The meaning of “υἱοθεσία”
Understanding huiothesía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
adoption (of children, of sons). - the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to Go...
υἱοθεσία
adoption (of children, of sons). - the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to God)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 8:15 | “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Word: υἱοθεσία (huiothesía) | |
| Romans 8:23 | “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Word: υἱοθεσία (huiothesía) | |
| Romans 9:4 | “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;” Word: υἱοθεσία (huiothesía) | |
| Galatians 4:5 | “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Word: υἱοθεσία (huiothesía) | |
| Ephesians 1:5 | “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Word: υἱοθεσία (huiothesía) |
Theological Word Study: Adoption
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Adoption as sons
The Greek huiothesia (υἱοθεσία) means adoption as sons—full legal standing as heirs. Believers receive 'the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father' (Romans 8:15), becoming co-heirs with Christ.