Question 6: What is the difference between “God” (Θεός) and “Godhead” or “Divinity” (Θεότης)?

Question

What is the difference between “God” (Θεός) and “Godhead” or “Divinity” (Θεότης)?

Answer

For St. Gregory, "God" (Theos), refers mainly to God in Himself, that is, God in His essence; while “Godhead” or “Divinity” (Theotes), denotes chiefly God Himself in His activities in the world and in the life of His creature.

When we say “Godhead” or “Divinity” (Theotes) in Orthodox theology, we are referring to the "oneness" or "unity" of God and to the many ways by which God reveals Himself: His power, glory, light, the thick dark cloud into which Moses entered (Exod. 20:21 Lxx), the voice of a gentle breeze which Elijah experienced (1 (3) Kings 19:12 Lxx), kingdom (reign), brilliance, and the righteousness of His judgement - in short His unmediated presence in the world, that is to say, His involvement in, and providential care for, the life of His creature.