1493. eidóleion

Lexicon

eidóleion: Idol temple

Original Word: εἰδωλεῖον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: eidóleion
Pronunciation: ay-do-LAY-on
Phonetic Spelling: (i-do-li'-on)
Definition: Idol temple
Meaning: a temple for (containing) an image (an idol).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

idol's temple.

Neuter of a presumed derivative of eidolon; an image-fane -- idol's temple.

see GREEK eidolon

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from eidólon
Definition
an idol's temple
NASB Translation
idol's temple (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1493: εἰδωλεῖον

εἰδωλεῖον (εἰδώλιον T WH; see Iota), ἐιδωλειου, τό (εἴδωλον, which see; cf. 'Ἀσκληπειον, Ἀπολλωνειον, ἡρακλειον etc. (Winers Grammar, 95 (90))), an idol's temple, temple consecrated to idols: 1 Corinthians 8:10 (1 Macc. 1:47 1 Macc. 10:83; 1 Esdr. 2:9; not found in secular authors; for in the fragment from Sophocles (152 Dindorf) in Plutarch, de amico et adul. c. 36 ἑδωλια has of late been restored).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from εἴδωλον (eidōlon), meaning "idol."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for εἰδωλεῖον, the concept of idol worship and temples dedicated to false gods is prevalent in the Old Testament. Some corresponding Hebrew terms include:

- בָּמָה (bamah) • Strong's Hebrew 1116: Often translated as "high place," referring to elevated sites used for idol worship.
- עֲצַבִּים (atsabbim) • Strong's Hebrew 6091: Translated as "idols," referring to the physical representations of false gods.
- מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash) • Strong's Hebrew 4720: Meaning "sanctuary" or "temple," which can refer to both the true temple of God and pagan temples in certain contexts.

These terms collectively convey the biblical condemnation of idolatry and the call to worship the one true God.

Usage: The term εἰδωλεῖον is used in the New Testament to refer to a temple or sanctuary dedicated to the worship of idols. It is a place where pagan rituals and sacrifices are performed in honor of false gods.

Context: The Greek term εἰδωλεῖον appears in the New Testament context as a reference to the physical locations where idol worship takes place. In the Greco-Roman world, these temples were central to religious and social life, often serving as venues for various public events and gatherings. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols, which was a common practice in these temples, in his letters to the early Christian communities.

In 1 Corinthians 8:10, Paul writes, "For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who are well informed, eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged to eat what is sacrificed to idols?" (BSB). Here, Paul is concerned about the impact of a believer's actions on others, particularly those who may be struggling with their conscience regarding idol worship. The presence of εἰδωλεῖον in this passage highlights the tension between Christian liberty and responsibility towards fellow believers.

The early Christians were often in conflict with the surrounding pagan culture, which was steeped in idol worship. The εἰδωλεῖον represented not just a physical space but also the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the early church as it sought to maintain its distinct identity in a polytheistic society. The apostolic teaching consistently urged believers to abstain from idolatry and to avoid any association with practices that could compromise their faith.

Forms and Transliterations

ειδωλείω εἰδωλείῳ ειδωλιω εἰδωλίῳ eidoleio eidōleiō eidoleíoi eidōleíōi

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 8:10 N-DNS
GRK: γνῶσιν ἐν εἰδωλείῳ κατακείμενον οὐχὶ
NAS: dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience,
KJV: in the idol's temple, shall
INT: knowledge in an idol-temple eating not

Strong's Greek 1493
1 Occurrence

εἰδωλείῳ — 1 Occ.