Christology
/ˌkrɪstəˈlɒdʒi/noun
The theological study of the person, nature, and role of Jesus Christ.
Did you know?“Christ” was not originally a surname: it is the Greek translation of the Hebrew title Messiah, meaning someone ceremonially anointed with oil for a sacred role.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ghrei-
“To rub, scrape, or smear; a proposed ancient root connected with anointing substances.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khriein
“To rub on or anoint, especially with oil.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khristos
“Anointed; the Greek rendering of the Hebrew title Messiah.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khristologia
“Discourse or teaching about Christ, formed from khristos plus -logia, “study” or “account.””
19th Century
German
Christologie
“Theological study of Christ; the term became established in modern academic theology.”
19th Century
English
Christology
“The systematic theological study of Christ’s identity, nature, and significance.”