The answer
Oqnoom (Hypostasis) is a Syriac/Semitic expression that has made its way into the Arabic language,7 and is used uniquely for God alone.
It is made up of two words: hypo = under, and stasis = standing. Thus, the literal meaning is that which is “standing under,” i.e. that which underlies as the foundation. In other words, the hypostasis is a personal property without which the Divine Essence cannot stand. For example:
A. Property of Existence:
It is inconceivable that God exists without this property, for He is the Imperative (or Necessary) Existence.
B. Property of Reason:
It is unthinkable that God exists without this property, for He is the Mind and Wisdom.
C. Property of Life:
It is impossible that God exists without this property, for He is the Living and the Giver of Life.
Thus, it is evident from the above that the Three Hypostases are distinct in operation, but unseparated, because They are in the One Divine Essence.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Notes
7 Translator’s note: The word is qnoma in Syriac, and oqnoom in Arabic.
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 22.
The page in the book (22)
