jumaluus

Jumaluus is a noun in Finnish (and has a closely related sense in Estonian) that denotes divinity or the divine nature of a being. It refers to the quality of being a god or having godlike attributes, and it is used in theology, philosophy, and religious studies to discuss the nature of the sacred. The term is commonly associated with discussions of the divine in various religious traditions, including both monotheistic and polytheistic contexts.

Etymology and usage notes: Jumaluus is formed from jumala, meaning “god,” with a suffix that expresses a state or quality. The related Estonian term jumalus shares the same core meaning. In religious discourse, jumaluus can denote the essential attributes of the divine, such as transcendence, power, and holiness. It is typically used to describe the divine nature rather than to name a particular deity. In secular or literary contexts, the word may appear metaphorically to describe sacredness or something perceived as godlike.

In Finnish-language discourse, the term often appears in formal theological writing as well as in more accessible religious or cultural commentary. While jumala is used for the specific deity, jumaluus focuses on the divine essence or quality that underpins that deity or sacred phenomena. The concept plays a role in discussions of divine attributes, the problem of divine presence in the world, and the distinction between the divine and the human.

See also: divinity, deity, godliness, theology, sacredness.