Lexical Summary diopetés: Fallen from heaven Original Word: διοπετής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance which fell down from Jupiter. From the alternate of Zeus and the alternate of pipto; sky-fallen (i.e. An aerolite) -- which fell down from Jupiter. see GREEK Zeus see GREEK pipto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Dios (of Zeus) and the same as piptó Definition fallen from heaven NASB Translation which fell down from heaven (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1356: διοπετήςδιοπετής, διοπετες (from Διός of Zeus, and πέτω for πίπτω; in secular writings also Διιπετής), fallen from Zeus, i. e. from heaven: τό διοπετες, namely, ἄγαλμα (which is expressed in Euripides, Iph. T. 977; Herodian, 1, 11, 2 (1, Bekker edition; cf. Winer's Grammar, 234 (219); 592 (551)), an image of the Ephesian Artemis which was supposed to have fallen from heaven, Acts 19:35; (cf. Meyer at the passage; Farrar, St. Paul, 2:13f). Topical Lexicon Context within ActsIn the turmoil that erupted in Ephesus over Paul’s preaching, the city clerk calmed the crowd by reminding them that their city was “guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven” (Acts 19:35). The single New Testament use of διοπετοῦς underlines the Ephesian conviction that a Heaven-sent object authenticated their cult and bestowed civic prestige. Cultural and Religious Background Meteorites were often revered in antiquity as material tokens of a god’s presence. In Ephesus the black, shapeless stone associated with Artemis was believed to have descended from the sky. Possession of such a relic conferred the honorary title νεωκόρος (“temple keeper”) on the city—a status that fueled local pride, economic prosperity, and opposition to any message that threatened the cult’s income. Contrast with Biblical Revelation Scripture frequently exposes the emptiness of idols crafted—or even delivered—by natural means (Isaiah 44:9–20; Habakkuk 2:18-20). By recording the clerk’s words without endorsement, Luke sets the heaven-fallen stone over against the true “bread of God…who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33). The living Christ, not a lifeless object, is the genuine gift from above (James 1:17). Implications for Apostolic Ministry 1. Strategy of Non-Confrontation Paul refrained from staging a direct assault on the Artemis shrine. Instead, he “reasoned daily” (Acts 19:9) so effectively that craftsmen felt their trade endangered. The gospel undermined idolatry by changing hearts, not by toppling statues. 2. Vindication by Pagan Authorities The clerk’s speech implicitly cleared Paul of blasphemy against Artemis, illustrating Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”. 3. Foundation for Later Teaching Paul later wrote to churches shaped by this event: “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). The singular mention of a διοπετοῦς highlights the dramatic shift from revered stones to the risen Son. Theological Significance • False Assurance: Objects thought to descend from the sky testify to humanity’s instinct to seek divine validation, yet they cannot reveal God’s will or redeem sinners (Jeremiah 10:1-5). Lessons for the Church Today • Beware of attributing sacred power to artifacts, traditions, or experiences. The fleeting biblical appearance of διοπετοῦς thus serves as a vivid reminder: what people celebrate as fallen from heaven cannot rival the glory of the One who truly came down to rescue and reign. Forms and Transliterations διοπετους Διοπετούς διοπετοῦς διορθούντες διορθωθή διορθωθήσεται διορθώσατε διορθώση διορθώσητε διορώντες diopetous diopetoûsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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