Brief Overview of Ἄρτεμις (G735: Artemis)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Artemis

Root Words:

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• The name Ἄρτεμις (Artemis) does not have a clear derivation from other Greek words but is directly associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, known for her roles in mythology.

Primary Meanings:

• Artemis: A name referring to the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and fertility. She is also a protector of young women and children.
• Person: In the New Testament context, Artemis is referenced as a central deity of the Ephesian worship, known for the temple dedicated to her in Ephesus.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines Ἄρτεμις as the goddess Artemis, a prominent deity in Greek mythology associated with nature, hunting, and childbirth. The lexicon emphasizes her role in the Ephesian cult, where she was venerated as a major deity.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes Ἄρτεμις as Artemis, highlighting her significant role in Greek mythology and her worship in Ephesus. It notes her association with the hunt and protection of young women.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words covers Artemis as the Greek goddess of the hunt, stressing her importance in Ephesian religion and her influence in classical mythology.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon identifies Ἄρτεμις as Artemis, underscoring her status as a key goddess in Greek religion and detailing her veneration in various Greek cities, especially in Ephesus.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἄρτεμις as Artemis, noting her as a significant figure in Greek mythology and religious practice, with particular emphasis on her worship in Ephesus.

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, Ἄρτεμις is mentioned in relation to Demetrius, who crafted shrines for Artemis (Diana), illustrating her prominence 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), highlighting the widespread veneration and the threats to her worship in Ephesus.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, Artemis is depicted as follows:

• Homer’s Iliad (circa 8th century BC): Artemis is presented as a fierce and independent goddess, embodying the characteristics of hunting and nature.
• Euripides’ “Iphigenia in Tauris” (circa 5th century BC): Artemis is portrayed as a central deity, with significant influence over the narrative and characters.
• Pausanias’ “Description of Greece” (circa 2nd century AD): Provides detailed accounts of Artemis’ temples and the practices associated with her worship across Greece, particularly in Ephesus.

4. Summary:

Ἄρτεμις (G735: Artemis) is the name of a major Greek goddess associated with the hunt, nature, and protection. In the New Testament, Artemis is linked to the Ephesian cult, where she was highly revered. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all emphasize Artemis’ significant role in Greek mythology and her veneration in Ephesus. Classic Greek literature portrays her as a prominent and influential deity, central to both mythological and religious contexts.