G3511

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word νεωκόρος (neōkoros), found in Acts 19:35, holds cultural and religious significance in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. Understanding this word is essential for grasping how ancient societies, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, viewed religious roles and the temples they held sacred. In biblical terms, the word reveals how cities like Ephesus, where Acts 19:35 is set, were tied to the worship of gods like Artemis. This connection underscores the socio-political and religious dynamics within early Christian contexts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Νεωκόρος (neōkoros), pronounced neh-OH-kor-os.

Etymology: Neōkoros is a compound word derived from neos (meaning “temple” or “shrine”) and koreō (meaning “to care for” or “to clean/sweep”). Thus, the word refers to someone who takes care of or guards a temple.

Part of Speech: Neōkoros is a noun, more specifically a title for an official or servant responsible for temple maintenance. In a broader sense, it could refer to a person or a city entrusted with the care of a deity’s shrine.

The F.O.G. Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Temple Keeper: The core meaning of neōkoros is “temple keeper” or “caretaker.” This person was entrusted with the daily duties of overseeing temple cleanliness, maintaining the sacred space, and facilitating worship rituals. In this role, the neōkoros acted as a servant of the gods.

2. Guardian of Sacred Objects: Beyond physical maintenance, the neōkoros was also a custodian of sacred objects and relics within the temple. These individuals were tasked with protecting valuable religious artifacts associated with worship.

3. Honorary Title for Cities: In some contexts, neōkoros was used as an honorary title bestowed upon cities. For instance, cities that were major centers for religious worship could be called neōkoroi, meaning they had the honor of being guardians of temples dedicated to particular gods or goddesses. Ephesus, in particular, was known as a neōkoros city for its dedication to the goddess Artemis.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἱεροφύλαξ (hierophylax) [hi-er-oh-FEE-lax]: Refers to a guardian of sacred things, similar to neōkoros, but more focused on protecting sacred objects rather than the upkeep of the temple itself.

2. ἱερεύς (hiereus) [hi-er-EV-s]: A priest or one who conducts sacrifices and religious rites. While a priest is an officiant in rituals, a neōkoros is more concerned with temple maintenance.

3. ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) [e-PEE-sko-pos]: A word that means overseer, similar to neōkoros in the sense of supervising but more often used in reference to Christian church leadership.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Neōkoros is a masculine noun in the nominative case, singular form in Acts 19:35. It follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar, making it straightforward in terms of inflection.

Declension:

• Singular:

Nominative: neōkoros

Genitive: neōkorou

Dative: neōkorō

Accusative: neōkoron

• Plural:

Nominative: neōkoroi

Genitive: neōkorōn

Dative: neōkorois

Accusative: neōkorous

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word neōkoros appears across several ancient Greek lexicons with similar meanings. It denotes a temple custodian in both secular and religious contexts. In the New Testament, neōkoros reflects the religious identity of Ephesus as a city dedicated to Artemis, underscoring the importance of religious devotion. Classical Greek texts use neōkoros to refer to individuals in charge of temples, as well as cities entrusted with caring for famous shrines. In New Testament lexicons, it is always linked to the honor and religious duty associated with temple maintenance.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 19:35: “And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, ‘Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper (neōkoros) of the great Artemis and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories The people of Ephesus were proud to be called neōkoroi of Artemis.

Plutarch Lives Cities who were neōkoroi gained fame for their dedication to the gods.

Strabo Geography Describes various cities being granted neōkoros status as centers of worship.

Noteworthy Summary

The term neōkoros is vital for understanding religious roles in both the New Testament and classical Greek culture. Its appearance in Acts 19:35 highlights the relationship between cities and the gods they served, with Ephesus as a notable example. As a temple keeper, neōkoros signifies not just physical maintenance but religious duty, whether for individuals or entire cities.

Did You Know?

1. The term neōkoros was a title of pride for cities like Ephesus, which housed grand temples.

2. Being a neōkoros city often brought economic and political benefits due to the influx of pilgrims and worshippers.

3. Inscriptions across Asia Minor frequently boast of a city’s status as a neōkoros of a major deity.