2203. Zeus

Lexicon

Zeus: Zeus

Original Word: Ζεύς
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Zeus
Pronunciation: dzyoos
Phonetic Spelling: (dzyooce)
Definition: Zeus
Meaning: Zeus, the Greek god of the sky in all its manifestations, corresponding to the Roman Jupiter and to the leading god of the native Lycaonians.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Jupiter.

Of uncertain affinity; in the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name; Dis (deece), which is otherwise obsolete; Zeus or Dis (among the Latins, Jupiter or Jove), the supreme deity of the Greeks -- Jupiter.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Zeus, the greatest of the pagan Gk. gods
NASB Translation
Zeus (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2203: Διά

[Διά, see Ζεύς.]

STRONGS NT 2203: Διός [Διός, see Δίσ.]

STRONGS NT 2203: Δίσ῟Δίσ῟, an unused nominative for Ζεύς, genitive Διός, accusative Διά (Διαν, Acts 14:12 Tdf. edition 7; see in ἄρρην. and Buttmann, 14 (373)), Zeus, Jupiter, the supreme divinity in the belief of Greeks and Romans; the father of gods and men: Acts 14:12f. (2 Macc. 6:2.) (Cf. Ζεύς.)

STRONGS NT 2203: ΖεύςΖεύς (but genitive, Διός (dative Διι<), are. Διά (or Διαν) (from old nominative Δίσ῟), Zeus, corresponding to Latin Jupiter (A. V.): Acts 14:12 (see Δίσ῟); ὁ ἱερεύς τοῦ Διός τοῦ ὄντος πρό τῆς πόλεως, the priest of Zeus whose temple was before the city, Acts 14:13 (cf. Meyer at the passage)). See Δίσ῟.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the ancient Greek mythology, where Ζεύς is the name of the chief deity in the Greek pantheon, often associated with the sky and thunder.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for Ζεύς, as it is specific to Greek mythology and culture. However, the concept of a chief deity can be loosely compared to the Hebrew understanding of God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim), though theologically distinct in monotheism versus polytheism.

Usage: The name Ζεύς appears in the New Testament in the context of Greco-Roman religious practices and beliefs, specifically in Acts 14:12-13, where the people of Lystra mistake Paul and Barnabas for the gods Hermes and Zeus.

Context: In the New Testament, the mention of Ζεύς occurs in Acts 14:12-13. During Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey, they arrive in Lystra, where Paul heals a man who had been lame from birth. Witnessing this miracle, the local populace, steeped in their polytheistic traditions, exclaims that "The gods have come down to us in human form!" (Acts 14:11, BSB). They identify Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes, due to Paul being the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was located just outside the city, brings bulls and wreaths to the city gates, intending to offer sacrifices to them (Acts 14:13, BSB).

This incident highlights the cultural and religious milieu of the Greco-Roman world, where the pantheon of gods played a significant role in daily life and understanding of the divine. The apostles' response to this situation underscores the early Christian mission's challenge to distinguish the worship of the one true God from the prevalent idolatry of the time. Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject the worship directed at them, urging the people to turn from "worthless things to the living God" (Acts 14:15, BSB).

The reference to Zeus in this passage serves as a reminder of the pervasive influence of Greek mythology and religion in the ancient world, and the early church's efforts to proclaim the gospel amidst such diverse beliefs.

Forms and Transliterations

Δια Δία Διος Διὸς Dia Día Dios Diòs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 14:12 N-AMS
GRK: τὸν Βαρνάβαν Δία τὸν δὲ
NAS: Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul,
KJV: Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul,
INT: Barnabas Zeus and

Acts 14:13 N-GMS
GRK: ἱερεὺς τοῦ Διὸς τοῦ ὄντος
NAS: The priest of Zeus, whose [temple] was just outside
KJV: Then the priest of Jupiter, which was
INT: [the] priest of Zeus who was

Strong's Greek 2203
2 Occurrences

Δία — 1 Occ.
Διὸς — 1 Occ.