Brief Overview of εἰδωλεῖον (Strong’s G1493: eidōleîon)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek terms that appear in the New Testament is essential for interpreting the text accurately and grasping its theological implications. The word εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon) is particularly significant because it directly relates to the practices and places associated with idolatry, a central issue in the early Christian communities. This term appears in contexts where the Apostle Paul addresses concerns about the relationship between Christian believers and the pervasive pagan culture of the Greco-Roman world. By exploring the meaning and usage of εἰδωλεῖον, we can gain deeper insights into the challenges faced by early Christians and the cultural context in which the New Testament was written.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon) [ay-doh-LAY-on]
• Etymology: Derived from εἴδωλον (eidōlon), meaning “idol,” combined with the suffix -εῖον (-eîon), which denotes a place or a building associated with a particular activity.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter, second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• A temple or shrine dedicated to idols
• A place where idols are worshipped or sacrifices are offered

Similar Words:

• εἴδωλον (eidōlon) [ay-DOH-lon]: Refers specifically to an idol or image of a deity, often used in the context of pagan worship.
• ναός (naós) [na-OS]: Meaning “temple,” it can refer to any temple but is often used for the temple in Jerusalem, making it more specific in religious connotation than εἰδωλεῖον.
• ἱερόν (hierón) [hee-eh-RON]: Another word for “temple” or “sacred place,” often used in a broader sense than ναός, encompassing the entire temple complex.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἰδωλεῖον is a compound noun, combining εἴδωλον (idol) with the suffix -εῖον, which is used to denote a place associated with a particular purpose or activity.
• Noun Declension: As a second declension neuter noun, εἰδωλεῖον follows the standard pattern for its declension.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰδωλεῖον as a place dedicated to idols, specifically a temple or shrine where idols are worshiped. The lexicon notes that the term appears in the New Testament primarily in discussions about idolatry and the moral dilemmas faced by early Christians in a pagan environment.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes that εἰδωλεῖον refers to a temple dedicated to idol worship, highlighting its usage in the New Testament where Paul addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols in such places. The term underscores the conflict between Christian monotheism and the surrounding polytheistic practices.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out that εἰδωλεῖον is used to describe a place where idolatrous practices occur, often in the context of warning Christians about the dangers of participating in pagan rituals. The term is crucial for understanding the cultural and religious challenges faced by the early church.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἰδωλεῖον back to classical Greek usage, where it was commonly used to refer to temples or shrines dedicated to various gods. The lexicon notes that the term was widespread in the Greco-Roman world, reflecting the prevalence of idol worship in that society.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰδωλεῖον as a noun meaning “idol temple” or “shrine,” emphasizing its role in the New Testament as a place where idol worship occurred. The concordance highlights the word’s importance in understanding the context of early Christian teachings against idolatry.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 8:10: “For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple (εἰδωλείῳ), will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?”
• 1 Corinthians 10:19-20: “What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἰδωλεῖον (G1493: eidōleîon)

The Greek word εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon) is a significant term in the New Testament, denoting a temple or shrine dedicated to idols. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting passages that address the issue of idolatry and the moral challenges it posed to early Christians. The term reflects the pervasive influence of pagan worship in the Greco-Roman world and the tension between Christian monotheism and surrounding polytheistic practices. By studying εἰδωλεῖον, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious context of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

The word εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon) is closely related to the word “idol” in English, both of which originate from the Greek εἴδωλον (eidōlon). The use of εἰδωλεῖον in the New Testament underscores the strong opposition of early Christians to any form of idol worship, which was seen as incompatible with their faith in the one true God. This opposition to idolatry was a defining feature of Christian identity in a world dominated by polytheistic religions.