Lexicon charaktér: Character, exact representation, express image Original Word: χαρακτήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exact representation, exact likenessFrom the same as charax; a graver (the tool or the person), i.e. (by implication) engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, i.e. An exact copy or (figuratively) representation) -- express image. see GREEK charax HELPS Word-studies 5481 xaraktḗr – properly, an engraving; (figuratively) an exact impression (likeness) which also reflects inner character. [5481 /xaraktḗr was originally a tool (used for engraving) and then came to mean "a die" ("mould"). Finally it stood for a stamp or impress used on a coin or seal (see H, 368). In each case, the stamp conveyed the reality behind the image.] The Greek fathers ( NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as charagma Definition a tool for engraving NASB Translation exact representation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5481: χαρακτήρχαρακτήρ, χαρακτηρος, ὁ (χαράσσω to engrave, cut into), from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. properly, the instrument used in engraving or carving (cf. ζωστήρ, λαμπτήρ, λουτήρ, φυσητήρ; cf. our 'stamp' or 'die'). 2. the mark (figure or letters) stamped upon that instrument or wrought out on it; hence, universally, "a mark or figure burned in (Leviticus 13:28) or stamped on, an impression; the exact expression (the image) of any person or thing, marked likeness, precise reproduction in every respect" (cf. facsimile): χαρακτήρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, of Christ, accusative to his nature as ὁ θεῖος λόγος, Hebrews 1:3; σφραγῖδι Θεοῦ, ἧς ὁ χαρακτήρ ἐστιν ὁ ἀΐδιος λόγος, Philo de plant. Noë § 5; χαρακτήρ θείας δυνάμεως, of the human mind, Philo, quod det. potiori ins. § 23; God τόν ἄνθρωπον ἔπλασεν τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ἐκονος χαρακτῆρα, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 33, 4 [ET]; οἱ πιστοί ἐν ἀγάπη χαρακτῆρα Θεοῦ πατρός διά Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ἔχουσιν), Ignatius ad Magnes. 5, 2 [ET]. the peculiarity, by which things are recognized and distinguished from each other (cf. English characteristic): 2 Macc. 4:10. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for χαρακτήρ, the concept of an exact representation or likeness can be related to Hebrew terms such as צֶלֶם (tselem, Strong's 6754), meaning "image" or "likeness," as used in Genesis 1:26-27 to describe humanity being made in the image of God. Another related term is דְּמוּת (demuth, Strong's 1823), meaning "likeness" or "similitude," which also conveys the idea of resemblance or representation. These Hebrew terms, while not direct equivalents, share thematic connections with the Greek concept of χαρακτήρ in expressing the idea of representation and likeness. Usage: In the New Testament, χαρακτήρ is used to describe the exact representation or image of God's nature, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God's essence. Context: The Greek term χαρακτήρ appears in the New Testament in Hebrews 1:3, where it is used to describe Jesus Christ as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature." This usage underscores the theological assertion that Jesus is the perfect and complete manifestation of God, possessing the same divine essence and attributes. The term carries the connotation of an imprint or stamp, suggesting that just as a stamp leaves an exact impression of its design, so Jesus perfectly reflects the nature and character of God. This concept is central to the understanding of the relationship between Jesus and the Father, affirming the doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Christ. The use of χαρακτήρ in this context emphasizes the continuity and unity between the Father and the Son, highlighting the belief that to see Jesus is to see the Father. |