netjer

netjer is a term used in ancient Egyptian religion to refer to a god or divinity. It is a masculine noun, and its plural form is netjeru. The concept of netjer encompasses a wide range of divine beings, from major deities like Ra, Osiris, and Isis, to minor spirits and personifications of natural forces. The ancient Egyptians believed that netjeru were involved in all aspects of life and the cosmos, from the creation of the universe to the daily cycle of the sun.

The divine realm was not a monolithic entity. Instead, it was a complex pantheon with intricate relationships and hierarchies. Some netjeru were associated with specific functions, such as Ptah, the god of craftsmen, or Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. Others represented cosmic forces, like Nut, the goddess of the sky, or Geb, the god of the earth. The king of Egypt was often considered a divine intermediary, a manifestation of netjer on earth.

Worship of netjer involved elaborate rituals, temple services, and personal devotion. Temples were considered the homes of the gods, where priests performed daily rites to maintain cosmic order and appease the divine. Offerings of food, drink, and other valuables were made to sustain the netjeru. The Egyptians believed that by honoring and serving the netjeru, they could ensure prosperity, fertility, and a favorable afterlife. The concept of netjer was central to ancient Egyptian identity and worldview.