Brief Overview of Ἀρτεμᾶς (G734: Artemis)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Artemis

Root Words:

• The name Ἀρτεμᾶς (Artemis) does not have a clear derivation from other Greek words but is closely associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who was worshipped as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and fertility.

Primary Meanings:

• Artemis: A name referring to a prominent Greek goddess, the daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo. Artemis was worshipped as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, childbirth, and protector of young women.
• Person: The name Artemis is also used in the New Testament to refer to a person associated with the worship of the goddess. In the biblical context, it appears to denote individuals or references related to the cult of Artemis.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG notes that Ἀρτεμᾶς primarily refers to the goddess Artemis of Greek mythology, who was a major deity in the Greek pantheon. The lexicon describes Artemis as the goddess of the hunt and nature. In a biblical context, Artemis is mentioned in connection with the worship practices in Ephesus.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes Ἀρτεμᾶς as referring to the goddess Artemis and notes its association with the worship practices in Ephesus, where Artemis was venerated as a central deity.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words discusses Artemis as the name of the Greek goddess associated with the hunt and nature, and mentions her role in the context of Ephesian worship.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon identifies Ἀρτεμᾶς as Artemis, emphasizing her role as a significant deity in Greek religion and mythology, particularly in Ephesus.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἀρτεμᾶς as Artemis, noting her as a goddess of the ancient Greek pantheon, and describes her worship in places such as Ephesus.

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Bible Verses:

• Acts 19:24 (KJV): “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;”
• Here, Ἀρτεμᾶς is mentioned in the context of Demetrius, who was a silversmith creating shrines for Artemis (Diana), indicating the significant role of Artemis in Ephesian worship.
• Acts 19:27 (KJV): “So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”
• This verse refers to Artemis (Diana) and highlights her importance and the conflict arising from the decline in her worship.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, Artemis is a prominent figure:

• Homer’s Iliad (circa 8th century BC): Artemis is portrayed as a powerful and independent goddess associated with hunting and nature.
• Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris” (circa 5th century BC): Artemis is featured as a central figure, reflecting her importance in Greek religious and cultural life.
• Pausanias’ “Description of Greece” (circa 2nd century AD): Provides detailed descriptions of Artemis’ temples and worship practices across Greece, including Ephesus.

4. Summary:

Ἀρτεμᾶς (G734: Artemis) refers to the Greek goddess Artemis, associated with the hunt, wilderness, and fertility. In biblical references, Artemis is linked to the worship practices in Ephesus. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all highlight Artemis as a central deity in Greek mythology and religion. Classic Greek literature portrays Artemis as a major figure with significant influence.