Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Qnoma and Hypostasis: A Comparative Study of Aramaic and Greek Christological Terminology

This study examines two fundamental concepts in early Christian Christology—Qnoma and Hypostasis—through a comparative lens of the Syriac and Greek traditions. Focusing on their theological and philosophical implications, the article compares how these terms were used to explain the relationship between Christ's humanity and divinity within the Nestorian and Chalcedonian frameworks. Qnoma refers to the personal subsistence and unity of Christ's two natures, while Hypostasis emphasizes the essence and individual personhood of Christ in Greek thought.

By analyzing historical texts and theological discussions, this research uncovers the distinct contexts in which these terms arose, influencing Christological interpretations and understandings of the Incarnation in early Christian theology. The study offers new insights into the development of these terms and highlights the importance of their distinction in fostering theological reconciliation between Eastern and Western Christian traditions.