աստուած

The origin is uncertain. Nicholas Marr connected the word with the name of the chief Phrygian god Σαβάζιος (Sabázios, “Sabazios”). This is accepted by Ačaṙyan, but considered untenable by J̌ahukyan on phonetic grounds.

According to J̌ahukyan two etymologies are the most probable:

• a compound of Proto-Indo-European *h₂énsus (“god, spirit”) (whence Proto-Germanic *ansuz) and *deywós (“god”) +‎ -ած (-ac), or of the same *h₂énsus and *տուած (*tuac, “given”), from տու- (tu-) +‎ -ած (-ac);
• a derivation from the root աստ- (ast-), which is a by-form of հաստ (hast), although usually mistakenly connected with ազդ (azd); compare աստի (asti, “firm, sure; vehement, impetuous, strong”).

աստուած • (astuac)

1. pagan god
2. (capitalized, singular only) God of Christianity

   արար Ած՟ զաշխարհս յանգոյից ― arar Ac. zašxarhs yangoyicʿ ― God created the world from nothing

   տալ փառս Այ՟ ― tal pʿaṙs Ay. ― to glorify God, to give or render glory to God, to thank God

   ի պատկեր Այ՟ ― i patker Ay. ― in the image of God

In the sense of “God” the word was always abbreviated: see the picture above.

• Armenian: աստված (astvac)

• Petrosean, H. Matatʿeay V. (1879), “աստուած”, in Nor Baṙagirkʿ Hay-Angliarēn [New Dictionary Armenian–English], Venice: S. Lazarus Armenian Academy
• Awetikʿean, G.; Siwrmēlean, X.; Awgerean, M. (1836–1837), “աստուած”, in Nor baṙgirkʿ haykazean lezui [New Dictionary of the Armenian Language] (in Old Armenian), Venice: S. Lazarus Armenian Academy
• Ačaṙean, Hračʿeay (1971–1979), “աստուած”, in Hayerēn armatakan baṙaran [Dictionary of Armenian Root Words] (in Armenian), 2nd edition, reprint of the original 1926–1935 seven-volume edition, Yerevan: University Press
• J̌ahukyan, Geworg (2010), “աստուած”, in Vahan Sargsyan, editor, Hayeren stugabanakan baṙaran [Armenian Etymological Dictionary] (in Armenian), Yerevan: Asoghik