Brief Overview of σέβασμα (Strong’s G4574: sebasma)

Strong’s G4574: An object of religious veneration or worship, derived from σέβας (reverence). In classical and biblical Greek, it refers to anything that receives religious devotion or reverent fear, whether divine or not, including temples, idols, or sacred objects.

U- Unveiling the Word

σέβασμα encapsulates the concept of an object or focus of religious devotion, extending beyond mere physical idols to encompass anything that receives worship-like reverence. In its first biblical appearance in Acts 17:23, Paul uses it to reference the Athenians’ objects of worship, highlighting the tension between true worship of the living God and misdirected devotion to created things. The word carries significant theological weight in early church discussions about idolatry and proper worship, remaining relevant today as we consider modern forms of idolatry in consumer culture and self-worship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σέβασμα, sebasma, SEH-bas-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: σέβασμα is pronounced with stress on the first syllable: ‘SEH’ as in set, ‘bas’ as in boss, ‘ma’ as in mama
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σέβ- (seb-): Root meaning “to worship, revere”
• -ασ- (-as-): Formative element indicating state or condition
• -μα (-ma): Suffix forming concrete nouns from verbs, indicating result of action

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary object of worship or veneration
• Sacred thing deserving reverence
• Religious devotion manifested in concrete form

For compound words:
The morphological components work together:

• σέβ- provides the core meaning of worship
• -ασ- transforms the verbal concept into a state
• -μα makes it concrete, referring to the actual object receiving worship

Translation Options:

• “Object of worship” – Captures the concrete nature implied by -μα
• “Sacred thing” – Emphasizes the reverence aspect
• “Venerated object” – Highlights the result of religious devotion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σέβω (sebo, SEH-bo) – to worship, revere See G4576
• εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, yoo-SEH-bay-ah) – godliness, piety See G2150
• θεοσέβεια (theosebeia, thee-o-SEH-bay-ah) – worship of God See G2317

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

The word follows regular neuter noun patterns:
Singular: σέβασμα (nom/acc), σεβάσματος (gen), σεβάσματι (dat)
Plural: σεβάσματα (nom/acc), σεβασμάτων (gen), σεβάσμασι(ν) (dat)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• Verb: σέβομαι (sebomai)
• Adjective: σεβάσμιος (sebasmios)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σέβασμα as an object of worship or religious veneration, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to religious awe. LSJ notes its usage in classical texts for divine honors and sacred objects. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of religious devotion, while Strong’s highlights its concrete nature as the result of worship. LEH and Moulton-Milligan provide evidence of its usage in Hellenistic Judaism and secular documents, showing its broad cultural significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Acts 17:23

Additional References:
Acts 17:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σέβασμα represents humanity’s innate drive to worship, though often misdirected toward created things rather than the Creator. Paul’s use of this term in Athens brilliantly acknowledges human religious instinct while redirecting it to its proper object – the living God revealed in Christ Jesus. This word reminds us that worship is not about the object but about recognizing and submitting to the one true God who alone deserves our devotion.

D – Did You Know?

1. The plural form σεβάσματα was used in ancient Greek magical papyri to refer to sacred formulas and objects.
2. Early Christian writers used this term to critique pagan worship while affirming proper Christian devotion.
3. The word influenced the development of the title “Augustus” (Σεβαστός) for Roman emperors.

Strong’s G4574: An object of religious veneration or worship, derived from σέβας (reverence). In classical and biblical Greek, it refers to anything that receives religious devotion or reverent fear, whether divine or not, including temples, idols, or sacred objects.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: worship, devotion, veneration, sacred objects, idolatry, reverence, religious devotion, Paul in Athens, Greek religion, biblical Greek, theological terms, worship objects​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​