Brief Overview of Βωμός (G1041: Bōmos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek noun βωμός (Bōmos), pronounced bo-MOS, refers to an “altar.” This term is typically used to describe a raised structure or platform where sacrifices and offerings were made to deities in ancient religious practices. The word Bōmos is rooted in the Greek verb baino, meaning “to step” or “to walk,” reflecting the altar’s function as a place where one would step up to make an offering.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Bōmos is defined as an “altar,” specifically used for religious sacrifices in both pagan and Jewish contexts. Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Bōmos as an altar, emphasizing its use in the worship of various deities. In Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Bōmos is described as an altar, typically constructed from stone or other durable materials, used for burnt offerings and sacrifices.

In the New Testament, Bōmos is mentioned in Acts 17:23, where Paul refers to an altar he found in Athens with the inscription “To an unknown god.” This usage highlights the word’s significance in religious practices of the time, particularly in the context of pagan worship, and Paul’s address to the Athenians reflects the commonality of such altars in ancient cities.

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Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Bōmos is frequently referenced as a central feature in religious rituals, particularly in the context of sacrifices to the gods.

1. In Homer’s “Iliad,” Bōmos is mentioned in relation to the sacrifices made to the gods before battles, underscoring its role in seeking divine favor.
2. Herodotus, in his “Histories,” describes Bōmos as an integral part of religious ceremonies, often constructed in prominent public spaces for communal worship.
3. Pausanias, in his “Description of Greece,” often refers to the various Bōmoi (plural of Bōmos) dedicated to different gods across Greece, indicating their widespread use and importance in ancient Greek religious life.

Summary:
The Greek noun βωμός (Bōmos) refers to an “altar,” a structure central to ancient religious practices where sacrifices and offerings were made to deities. The term is derived from the verb baino, meaning “to step,” which is fitting given that altars were often elevated platforms. Lexical sources such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s all agree on the primary meaning of Bōmos as an altar, highlighting its importance in both pagan and Jewish contexts. In the New Testament, Bōmos appears in Acts 17:23, where Paul discusses an altar dedicated to an unknown god in Athens, illustrating the prevalence of such structures in ancient worship practices. Classical Greek literature frequently mentions Bōmos in connection with sacrifices, with examples found in the works of Homer, Herodotus, and Pausanias. These references emphasize the altar’s role as a focal point in religious ceremonies, often located in public spaces and dedicated to various gods. This overview of Bōmos demonstrates its significant role in both biblical and classical contexts as a symbol of religious devotion and ritual.