Enhypostasia is a theological term that refers to the concept of the hypostasis or subsistence of the divine nature in the person of Christ. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which reads as /ɛnhɪpɔsˈteɪziə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound, and the "h" is silent. The stress is on the fourth syllable, which is pronounced as "pos." The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, similar to the "a" in "sofa."
Enhypostasia is a term derived from Greek philosophy and theology, primarily used in Christian thought, to define the notion of personal subsistence or existence of an individual being, particularly in relation to the hypostatic union. The term is composed of the Greek words "en" (meaning "in" or "by") and "hypostasis" (meaning "substance" or "existence"). Thus, enhypostasia signifies the concept of actualizing oneself or substantiating one's selfhood within a particular individual or person.
In Christian theology, enhypostasia refers specifically to the belief that the individual or divine hypostasis of Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Holy Trinity, is uniquely united with the human nature assumed in the Incarnation. This doctrine accentuates the complete and perfect union of the divine and human natures within the person of Jesus Christ. It affirms that both natures, divine and human, exist and subsist in perfect harmony and unity, without any form of confusion, mixture, or change in their distinct essences.
By employing enhypostasia, Christianity seeks to reconcile the paradoxical duality of Jesus Christ's divine and human nature, thereby affirming his full divinity and full humanity while retaining their distinctiveness. The concept asserts that Jesus Christ is not just a divine essence indwelling in a human body, but a fully integrated and incarnated person, where the divine and human nature are united in a hypostatic union. Enhypostasia serves as a pivotal concept within Christology, reflecting the Christian belief in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, who embodies both divine and human characteristics.
The word "enhypostasia" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "en" meaning "in" or "within", and "hypostasis" which means "substance" or "essence". The term originated in theological discourse, particularly within early Christianity, to describe the union of divinity and humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. The concept of enhypostasia refers to the belief that the divine nature of Christ is united with, but not absorbed by, his human nature. The term is derived from Greek philosophical and theological discussions and was used to articulate the unique nature of Christ's identity.