children of god: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “children of god” mean?
A theological term referring to people who have a spiritual relationship with God, often through faith or divine adoption.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theological term referring to people who have a spiritual relationship with God, often through faith or divine adoption.
Can refer broadly to all humanity as created by God, or specifically to believers within a religious tradition. In some contexts, it is used by certain religious groups as a self-designation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in American evangelical discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with Christian theology. Can be used inclusively (all people) or exclusively (only believers).
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, higher within religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “children of god” in a Sentence
[Believers] are children of God.To be [considered] children of God.The [doctrine] of the children of God.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “children of god” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The sermon focused on the privileges and responsibilities of being children of God.
- They understood themselves first and foremost as children of God.
American English
- His new book explores what it means to live as children of God in a secular age.
- The pastor reminded the congregation that they were all beloved children of God.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, and some philosophical contexts.
Everyday
Rare, except in explicitly religious conversations.
Technical
A technical term in systematic theology and biblical hermeneutics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “children of god”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “children of god”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “children of god”
- Using 'Children of God' to refer literally to God's offspring in a mythological sense. *'The children of God fought the Titans.' (Incorrect for standard Christian theology).
- Capitalising incorrectly: 'Children Of God'.
- Using in a non-religious context where it sounds jarring.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly, but not exclusively. The concept exists in other Abrahamic faiths like Judaism and Islam, though the phrasing is most characteristic of Christianity.
No. 'Children' is not typically capitalised unless it's at the start of a sentence or part of an official name (e.g., a church or organisation called 'The Children of God').
In modern English, 'children of God' is inclusive of all genders. 'Sons of God' is an older, traditional translation still found in some biblical texts, but it is often understood generically. 'Children' is now the preferred inclusive term.
Yes, it can be used sarcastically or critically, e.g., 'He acted as if he was one of the chosen children of God, above the rules.' Also, it is the name of a specific controversial religious group ('The Children of God' / 'The Family International'), which colours its usage for some people.
A theological term referring to people who have a spiritual relationship with God, often through faith or divine adoption.
Children of god is usually formal, religious in register.
Children of god: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈɡɒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈɡɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “We are all children of God.”
- “Act like a child of God.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a family portrait with a divine parent. 'Children' shows relationship; 'of God' shows the nature of that relationship.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOD IS A FATHER; SPIRITUAL LIFE IS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'children of God' MOST appropriately used?