Understanding Ἄρτεμις (Artemis) Strong’s G735: The Powerful Greco-Roman Goddess Who Faced the True Light of Messiah

Pronunciation Guide: ar’-tem-is

Basic Definition

Strong’s G735: Artemis was the Greek goddess of hunting, wilderness, childbirth, and the moon, who became syncretized with the Roman Diana. In Ephesus, she was worshipped as a mother-goddess of fertility and was one of the most important deities of the ancient world. Her temple in Ephesus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun
• Of uncertain origin, possibly from ancient Greek roots meaning “safe” and “pure”
• Primary usage in narrative sections, particularly in Acts
• Common in classical Greek literature and inscriptions
• Found in both religious and secular contexts

Ἄρτεμις Morphology:

• Ἄρτεμις (nominative singular) – Artemis
• Ἀρτέμιδος (genitive singular) – of Artemis
• Ἀρτέμιδι (dative singular) – to/for Artemis
• Ἄρτεμιν (accusative singular) – Artemis (as direct object)

Origin & History

The worship of Artemis predates classical Greek civilization, with her earliest forms appearing in pre-Hellenic religious practices. In Homeric literature (particularly the Iliad and Odyssey), she appears as the virgin huntress, daughter of Zeus and Leto, and twin sister of Apollo. However, the Ephesian version of Artemis, which is most relevant to New Testament studies, developed distinct characteristics from the traditional Greek conception.

The Ephesian Artemis (referred to by Pausanias in his “Description of Greece” and Pliny the Elder in his “Natural History”) was a complex fusion of Greek and ancient Near Eastern religious elements. The cult statue depicted her with multiple breast-like protrusions (though scholars debate whether these actually represented breasts or bull testicles, symbols of fertility) and was said to have fallen from heaven (Acts 19:35).

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Mother goddess of fertility and nature
• Patron deity of Ephesus
• Virgin huntress (in Greek mythology)
• Protector of young women and childbirth

Ἄρτεμις Translation Options:

• Artemis – When referring specifically to the Greek deity
• Diana – When emphasizing the Roman equivalent
• The Ephesian Goddess – When focusing on the local Ephesian cult
• The Great Goddess – Reflecting how she was referred to in Ephesian inscriptions

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἄρτεμις appears exclusively in Acts 19, during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. The controversy surrounding her worship provides one of the most dramatic scenes in Acts, where the silversmith Demetrius incites a riot against Paul’s preaching because it threatened the economic interests tied to Artemis worship.

The biblical narrative shows the confrontation between the Gospel and pagan worship, highlighting how the message of Messiah challenged not just religious beliefs but also economic and social structures built around idol worship.

• “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [Ἄρτεμις] Artemis” Acts 19:24
• “Great is [Ἄρτεμις] Artemis of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:28
• “The city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great [Ἄρτεμις] Artemis” Acts 19:35

Cultural Insights

The Artemision, her temple in Ephesus, was four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The temple served not only as a religious center but also as a major banking institution where merchants, kings, and cities made deposits. This economic function helps explain the violent reaction to Paul’s preaching, as it threatened not just religious beliefs but also financial interests.

The worship of Artemis was so integral to Ephesian identity that the city calendar included a month named Artemision, during which festivals were held in her honor. Archaeological evidence shows that the cult of Artemis influenced city planning, architecture, and daily life in Ephesus for over a millennium.

Theological Significance

The confrontation between the Gospel and the cult of Artemis in Acts 19 represents a pivotal moment in early Christian mission, demonstrating how the message of Messiah challenged and ultimately transformed deeply entrenched religious, social, and economic systems. The episode reveals that true spiritual transformation often faces opposition from those whose interests are vested in the status quo.

The power of the Gospel to overcome even the most established pagan worship systems demonstrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s supreme authority over all spiritual powers. The fact that many Ephesians turned from Artemis worship to follow Messiah Jesus shows how the light of truth can penetrate even the darkest spiritual strongholds when God’s Word is faithfully proclaimed.

Personal Application

The account of Artemis worship in Acts challenges us to examine our own lives for “modern idols” – things we might trust in or revere more than God. Just as the Ephesians had to choose between financial security through Artemis worship and faith in Messiah Jesus, we too must sometimes make difficult choices between worldly security and faithful obedience.

Moreover, this account encourages us that no spiritual stronghold is too powerful for God’s truth to overcome. When we face opposition to our faith, we can take courage from how the early believers in Ephesus stood firm and saw God’s Word prevail mightily.

Related Words

• εἴδωλον (eidōlon) [eye-doh-lon] – idol, image; represents the physical objects of false worship See G1497
• ναός (naos) [nah-os] – temple, shrine; used for both pagan temples and God’s temple See G3485
• δαιμόνιον (daimonion) [dahee-mon’-ee-on] – demon, false god; represents the spiritual reality behind idol worship See G1140
• λατρεία (latreia) [lat-ri’-ah] – worship, service; contrasts true worship with pagan rituals See G2999

Did you Know?

• The Ephesian Artemis was depicted differently from the Greek Artemis, wearing a crown shaped like a city wall, symbolizing her role as city protector, and covered with symbolic animals representing fertility and nature.
• Ancient coins from Ephesus frequently featured Artemis or her temple, demonstrating her central role in the city’s identity and economy. Some of these coins have been found as far away as Britain, showing the extensive reach of her cult.
• The month of Artemision in the Ephesian calendar (corresponding to our March-April) was dedicated to celebrating Artemis with processions, athletic contests, and dramatic performances. The entire city would participate in these festivals, making the economic impact of Christianity’s growth particularly threatening to those who profited from these celebrations.

Remember This

The triumph of the Gospel over the cult of Artemis in Ephesus demonstrates that when God’s truth confronts even the most entrenched spiritual darkness, His light always prevails.