Brief Overview of ἱερόν (Strong’s G2411: hieron)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for delving deeper into Biblical studies, as these words often carry rich layers of meaning that can enhance interpretation and comprehension. The Greek word ἱερόν (hieron) is particularly significant because it refers to the “temple” or “sacred place” within ancient Greek culture and Jewish religious practices. In the New Testament, ἱερόν is a word that conveys not just the physical structure of the temple in Jerusalem but also its spiritual, social, and cultural importance as the center of Jewish worship and the scene for key events in the life of Jesus.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱερόν, transliterated as hieron [hee-er-ON].
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἱερός (hieros), meaning “holy” or “sacred.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, neuter.
• Grammatical Details: It follows the second declension pattern in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Temple: The primary meaning is a “temple” or “sacred place,” specifically referring to the Temple in Jerusalem in the New Testament context.
• Sanctuary: A more general term used for any sacred or consecrated space.
• Temple Complex: The entire complex, including all its courts and outer areas, not just the inner sanctum (which is sometimes specifically referred to as ναός (naos), meaning “sanctuary” or “shrine”).

Similar Words: ἱερόν (hieron) is often compared with ναός (naos). While both can be translated as “temple,” ἱερόν usually refers to the entire temple complex, including all its courts and outer structures, whereas ναός specifically denotes the innermost sanctuary where the deity dwells. Another related term is ἅγιος (hagios), which means “holy” or “saintly” and is often used to describe something set apart for divine purposes.

Further Insights: ἱερόν follows the second declension in Greek grammar, which affects how it is inflected in various cases. Here is the declension of ἱερόν:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἱερόν as a noun referring to the “temple” in Jerusalem, encompassing the entire complex, including courts and surrounding areas. It highlights the distinction between ἱερόν and ναός, where the former refers to the larger temple area, and the latter denotes the inner sanctum.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon provides the definition of ἱερόν as “a sacred place, a temple,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to specifically refer to the Jerusalem temple. Thayer notes the term’s broader use to signify any temple or place dedicated to worship in ancient Greek and Roman culture.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary mentions ἱερόν as “temple,” used predominantly in the New Testament for the temple in Jerusalem. It also discusses its metaphorical use to denote the body as a temple of God and the distinction between ἱερόν and ναός.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon lists ἱερόν as a general term for any temple or holy place. It notes its use in both religious and secular contexts to signify spaces set apart for sacred purposes, whether in Jewish or Greco-Roman settings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἱερόν (G2411) as a “temple” and provides references to its occurrences in the New Testament, where it primarily denotes the Temple in Jerusalem. The concordance distinguishes its use from ναός to avoid confusion about the different parts of the temple.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 21:12: “And Jesus entered the temple [ἱερόν] and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple.”
• Luke 2:27: “And he came in the Spirit into the temple [ἱερόν]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.”
• John 2:14: “And He found in the temple [ἱερόν] those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.”
• Acts 3:1: “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple [ἱερόν] at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.”
• Acts 5:42: “And every day, in the temple [ἱερόν] and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱερόν (G2411)

The Greek word ἱερόν (hieron) holds significant importance in Biblical studies, representing the “temple” or “sacred place.” Primarily referring to the Temple in Jerusalem in the New Testament, ἱερόν encompasses the entire temple complex, contrasting with ναός, which is specifically the inner sanctum. The term carries deep theological and cultural connotations, highlighting the temple as the center of Jewish worship, teaching, and sacrifice. Understanding ἱερόν helps to clarify the context of numerous Biblical narratives, providing insight into the religious and social life of ancient Judea.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The term ἱερόν not only refers to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem but was also used by the Greeks to describe their own sacred spaces, demonstrating the universality of temple worship across cultures.
• Did You Know? In the New Testament, ἱερόν appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often as the location of Jesus’ teaching and actions, including His cleansing of the temple.
• Did You Know? The word ἱερόν can also metaphorically represent the body or a spiritual dwelling place, as seen in some early Christian writings.

This comprehensive overview provides a richer understanding of ἱερόν (hieron) and its usage in Biblical and classical literature, as well as its theological significance in both Jewish and early Christian contexts.