Lexical Summary thea: Sight, spectacle, view Original Word: θέα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance goddess. Feminine of theos; a female deity -- goddess. see GREEK theos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of theos Definition a goddess NASB Translation goddess (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2299: θεάθεά, θεᾶς, ἡ (feminine of θεός) (from Homer down), a goddess: Acts 19:27, and Rec. also in 35, 37. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Cultural Background The term identifies a female deity in Greek thought—a being regarded as worthy of cultic reverence, sacrifice, temple building, and civic patronage. In the polytheistic milieu of the Greco-Roman world, such “goddesses” filled countless niches: fertility (Artemis), love (Aphrodite), wisdom (Athena), household protection (Hestia), and political fortune (Roma). Their perceived spheres of control shaped commerce, art, festivals, and civic identity. Temples, statues, guilds, and pilgrimages surrounded these cults, making them financially and socially entrenched. Use in Acts 19:27 Demetrius warns his fellow craftsmen, “There is danger... that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deprived of her magnificence—she whom all Asia and the whole world worship.” (Acts 19:27) The single New Testament occurrence of the word appears in the genitive form, emphasizing Artemis’ towering status in Ephesian society. Demetrius senses that the exclusive claims of the gospel threaten both the goddess’ honor and the silversmiths’ livelihood. Historical Background: Artemis of Ephesus • Artemis’ shrine was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Paul’s preaching undermined the theological foundation of this economy, exposing idolatry and calling people to the living God (Acts 19:26). The ensuing riot shows how intimately religion, commerce, and culture were fused. Biblical Contrast with Pagan Deities Scripture consistently confronts the worship of created things. Against this backdrop, the New Testament insists that Christ alone is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), rendering every idol—male or female—void. Ministerial Lessons 1. The gospel challenges entrenched cultural idols, not merely private beliefs. Doctrinal Implications • Monotheism: Only one true God is worthy of worship. Related Biblical Themes and References Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Kings 11:5; 2 Kings 23:13; Jeremiah 44:17-19; Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 44:9-20; Daniel 3:18; Acts 17:16-31; 1 Corinthians 8:4-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 21:8. Summary The solitary New Testament mention of Strong’s 2299 exposes the titanic clash between pagan goddess worship and the exclusive lordship of Jesus Christ. Though the term appears only once, it encapsulates a pervasive cultural reality that the gospel must confront: humanity’s propensity to fashion deities in its own image. Acts 19 illustrates that when people turn to the risen Lord, even the most magnificent temples and lucrative trades cannot withstand the transforming power of God’s truth. Forms and Transliterations θέαν θεας θεάς θεᾶς θέας θεόν theas theâsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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