Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the context and meaning behind various scriptures. The Greek word ἱερόσυλος (hierosylos) is particularly significant as it denotes someone who commits sacrilege, specifically a “temple robber.” This word is relevant to New Testament interpretation as it sheds light on cultural and religious offenses in ancient Greek and Jewish contexts, where violating sacred spaces or objects was considered a serious crime.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱερόσυλος, transliterated as hierosylos [hee-er-OS-oo-los].
• Etymology: Derived from ἱερός (hieros), meaning “holy” or “sacred,” and συλάω (sylaō), meaning “to rob” or “to plunder.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine.
• Grammatical Details: Second declension noun; nominative singular form is ἱερόσυλος.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Temple robber: Someone who steals from temples or sacred places.
• Sacrilegious person: One who desecrates or violates sacred things.

Similar Words: ἱερόσυλος (hierosylos) is closely related to ἱεροσυλέω (hierosyleō), which is a verb meaning “to commit sacrilege” or “to rob temples.” While ἱερόσυλος refers to the person who performs such acts, ἱεροσυλέω describes the act itself. Another similar word is βέβηλος (bebēlos), meaning “profane” or “unholy,” which is used to describe something that is defiled or not sacred.

Further Insights: ἱερόσυλος is a masculine noun that follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Here is the full declension chart for ἱερόσυλος:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἱερόσυλος as “temple robber, sacrilegious person,” emphasizing its use in contexts where a person desecrates or plunders sacred places.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon explains ἱερόσυλος as “a robber of temples, a person who commits sacrilege.” It notes that the term is used to describe those who violate sacred spaces, especially in a religious or legal context.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines ἱερόσυλος as “temple robber” or “one who violates sacred things,” often highlighting its usage in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon categorizes ἱερόσυλος as a noun meaning “temple robber” and includes its usage in classical Greek texts where it describes those who steal from or desecrate temples.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance (G2417) defines ἱερόσυλος as “a temple-despoiler,” providing a focus on the criminal aspect of the term in sacred contexts.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 19:37: “For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples [ἱεροσύλους] nor blasphemers of our goddess.”
  This verse highlights how Paul and his companions were wrongly accused of being ἱεροσύλους—temple robbers—during their ministry in Ephesus, underscoring the severity of such a charge in the ancient world.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱερόσυλος (G2417)

The Greek word ἱερόσυλος (hierosylos) is a noun meaning “temple robber” or “sacrilegious person.” It signifies someone who violates sacred spaces or steals from temples, an act considered a grave offense in both religious and legal contexts in ancient Greece and Israel. Understanding this term provides critical insight into the cultural, religious, and legal implications of such actions during biblical times.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? In ancient societies, being labeled a ἱερόσυλος was a severe accusation that could lead to public disgrace, legal punishment, or even death.
• Did You Know? The term ἱερόσυλος was not only used in a legal sense but also carried heavy religious connotations, often implying divine displeasure or wrath.
• Did You Know? The Roman legal system had specific penalties for those accused of being ἱερόσυλος, reflecting the importance of maintaining religious sanctity and public order.

This overview of ἱερόσυλος (hierosylos) illustrates its relevance for both New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient cultural and religious norms.