Lexical Summary erémósis: Desolation, devastation Original Word: ἐρήμωσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance desolation. From eremoo; despoliation -- desolation. see GREEK eremoo HELPS Word-studies 2050 erḗmōsis (from 2049 /erēmóō, "lay waste, make destitute, barren") – desolation (desecration) that results from being cut off (isolated). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom erémoó Definition a making desolate NASB Translation desolation (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2050: ἐρήμωσιςἐρήμωσις, ἐρημεως, ἡ (ἐρημόω), a making desolate, desolation: Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20; see βδέλυγμα, c. (Arrian exp. Alex. 1, 9, 13; the Sept. several times for חָרְבָּה, שַׁמָּה, etc.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2050 designates the condition of utter ruin brought about by divine judgment or human hostility. In the New Testament it appears exclusively on the lips of Jesus during the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20), forming a key term in His prophetic warning about Jerusalem and the end of the age. Old Testament Background The imagery originates in Daniel, where repeated references to “the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) describe a profanation that leaves the sanctuary deserted. In the Septuagint, the Greek noun ἐρήμωσις renders Hebrew terms for devastation and emptiness after covenantal infidelity (for example, Ezekiel 33:28-29). Jesus therefore draws on a well-established prophetic vocabulary: desolation is never merely social ruin but the visible sign that God has withdrawn His protective presence because of persistent rebellion. Usage in the Gospels 1. Matthew 24:15 — “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation’ described by the prophet Daniel ….” Matthew and Mark retain Daniel’s technical phrase, while Luke interprets it for Gentile readers as the military encirclement that precedes devastation. In each Gospel the noun marks the transition from temple-centered Judaism to the new-covenant community that worships in Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Historical Fulfillment Within a generation, Roman legions under Titus breached Jerusalem (70 A.D.), razed the temple, and left the city barren. Contemporary Jewish historian Josephus records the horrifying aftermath, confirming Jesus’ words that “not one stone will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2). The precise fulfillment validates prophetic Scripture and underscores that desolation is God’s verdict upon hardened unbelief. Eschatological Dimension While the first-century tragedy satisfies the near horizon of the prophecy, Jesus’ discourse deliberately extends beyond. Phrases such as “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (Matthew 24:29) and “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24) point to a future climax when the final man of lawlessness will again desecrate what is holy (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Thus ἐρήμωσις functions as a bridge between the historical fall of Jerusalem and the ultimate consummation, urging every generation to vigilance: “What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!” (Mark 13:37). Theological Themes • Covenant Accountability: Desolation follows idolatry and rejection of God’s messengers (Matthew 23:37-38). Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Watchfulness in Preaching: Faithful exposition should treat both the past fulfillment of Jesus’ words and their future import, cultivating discernment without speculative sensationalism. Related Terms and Concepts • ἐρήμοω (Strong’s 2049) — to make desolate; the verbal root. Concluding Reflection Ἐρήμωσις serves as a sober monument in Scripture: God’s holiness will not be mocked, yet His forewarning is an act of mercy. The past ruin of Jerusalem validates the prophets; the promised future upheaval summons every believer to steadfast faith, holy living, and unwavering hope in the returning King. Forms and Transliterations ερημώσεων ερημωσεως ερημώσεως ἐρημώσεως ερήμωσιν ερημωσις ερήμωσις ἐρήμωσις eremoseos eremṓseos erēmōseōs erēmṓseōs eremosis erēmōsis erḗmosis erḗmōsisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 24:15 N-GFSGRK: Βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως τὸ ῥηθὲν NAS: the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken KJV: the abomination of desolation, spoken of INT: abomination of desolation which having been spoken of Mark 13:14 N-GFS Luke 21:20 N-NFS Strong's Greek 2050 |
    |