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In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs) is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately. This term refers to a person who practices idolatry, a significant issue for early Christians as they sought to maintain their faith in a world dominated by pagan worship. The word εἰδωλολάτρης is not only relevant for understanding the New Testament’s moral teachings but also for grasping the cultural and religious context of the early Christian community. By examining the meaning and usage of εἰδωλολάτρης, we can better appreciate the challenges faced by the first Christians and the strong opposition to idolatry that defined their faith.
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Similar Words:
Further Insights:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs) | εἰδωλολάτραι (eidōlolátrai) |
Genitive | εἰδωλολάτρου (eidōlolátrou) | εἰδωλολατρῶν (eidōlolatrōn) |
Dative | εἰδωλολάτρῃ (eidōlolátrē) | εἰδωλολάτραις (eidōlolátrais) |
Accusative | εἰδωλολάτρην (eidōlolátrēn) | εἰδωλολάτρας (eidōlolátras) |
Vocative | εἰδωλολάτρη (eidōlolátrē) | εἰδωλολάτραι (eidōlolátrai) |
BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰδωλολάτρης as an idolater, someone who worships idols or false gods. The lexicon emphasizes that the term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who engage in practices that are antithetical to the worship of the true God.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that εἰδωλολάτρης refers to a person who is devoted to idol worship. In the New Testament, this word is often used to highlight the moral and spiritual dangers associated with idolatry, warning Christians to avoid such practices.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἰδωλολάτρης as a term used to identify those who participate in idolatrous practices. Vine’s points out that the New Testament writers, particularly Paul, use this term to describe behaviors that are incompatible with Christian faith and life.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces the term εἰδωλολάτρης to classical Greek, where it was used to describe individuals who worshiped idols. The lexicon highlights that while idolatry was a common practice in the ancient world, the term took on a particularly negative connotation in Christian texts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰδωλολάτρης as a noun meaning “idolater” or “idol worshiper.” The concordance underscores the term’s importance in New Testament teachings against idolatry and its frequent association with warnings about moral and spiritual corruption.
Scripture References:
Author | Work | English Text |
---|---|---|
Philo | On the Special Laws | “An idolater (εἰδωλολάτρης) defiles himself by worshiping that which is not God.” |
Plutarch | Moralia | “The idolater (εἰδωλολάτρης) gives honor to lifeless statues, mistaking them for deities.” |
Epictetus | Discourses | “Do not be an idolater (εἰδωλολάτρης), for true reverence belongs to the divine.” |
The term εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs) is a significant word in the New Testament, used to describe those who engage in the worship of idols. This term, derived from the words for “idol” and “worship,” highlights the severe opposition of early Christians to idolatry, which they viewed as a fundamental violation of the worship due to the one true God. The word appears in several key New Testament passages where it is associated with a list of vices that Christians are urged to avoid. Understanding εἰδωλολάτρης helps to illuminate the moral and spiritual concerns of the early church and the strong stance it took against the pervasive idolatry of the surrounding culture.
The word εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs) is the origin of the English term “idolater,” which is still used today to describe someone who worships idols. In the ancient world, idolatry was not just a religious practice but often intertwined with political and social identities. For early Christians, rejecting idolatry was a way of affirming their exclusive allegiance to Christ and distinguishing themselves from the broader pagan society. This rejection of idolatry was one of the defining features of Christian identity in the first century and remains a key element of Christian theology and ethics.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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