2302. theatron

Lexicon

theatron: Theater, spectacle

Original Word: θέατρον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: theatron
Pronunciation: theh'-ah-tron
Phonetic Spelling: (theh'-at-ron)
Definition: Theater, spectacle
Meaning: (a) a theatre, a semi-circular stone building, generally open to the sky, (b) a spectacle, show.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

spectacle, theatre.

From theaomai; a place for public show ("theatre"), i.e. General audience-room; by implication, a show itself (figuratively) -- spectacle, theatre.

see GREEK theaomai

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2302 théatron (the root of the English term, "theatre") – a theatre; a place for public exhibition; (figuratively) the public display of putting someone "on exhibit" to be mocked at as a spectacle (cf. 1 Cor 4:9). See 2300 (theáomai).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from theaomai
Definition
a theater, a spectacle
NASB Translation
spectacle (1), theater (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2302: θέατρον

θέατρον, θεατρου, τό (θεάομαι);

1. a theatre, a place in which games and dramatic spectacles are exhibited, and public assemblies held (for the Greeks used the theatre also as a forum): Acts 19:29, 31.

2. equivalent to θεά and θέαμα, a public show (Aeschines dial. socr. 3, 20; Achilles Tatius 1, 16, p. 55), and hence, metaphorically, a man who is exhibited to be gazed at and made sport of: 1 Corinthians 4:9 (A. V. a spectacle).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from θεάομαι (theaomai), meaning "to behold" or "to look upon."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for θέατρον in the Old Testament, as the concept of a theater as understood in the Greco-Roman context did not exist in ancient Hebrew culture. However, the idea of public display or spectacle can be loosely related to Hebrew terms that describe gatherings or assemblies, such as קָהָל (qahal, Strong's H6951) meaning "assembly" or "congregation."

Usage: The term θέατρον is used in the New Testament to describe a literal theater or, metaphorically, a public spectacle. It appears in contexts where public observation or display is emphasized.

Context: The Greek word θέατρον (theatron) appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight both its literal and metaphorical meanings. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a θέατρον was a venue for dramatic performances, public gatherings, and various forms of entertainment. These structures were often grand and architecturally significant, serving as central hubs for cultural and social activities.

In the New Testament, θέατρον is used in 1 Corinthians 4:9, where Paul writes, "For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men." (BSB). Here, the term is employed metaphorically to describe the apostles as a public spectacle, emphasizing their role as visible examples of faith and endurance in the face of trials.

The use of θέατρον in this passage underscores the idea of being observed and scrutinized by both earthly and heavenly audiences. It reflects the early Christian understanding of their mission as one that is not only lived out in private devotion but also in public witness, often under challenging and hostile circumstances.

The concept of being a "spectacle" also carries the connotation of suffering and persecution, as the apostles were often subjected to public ridicule and hardship for their faith. This metaphorical use of θέατρον serves to encourage believers to remain steadfast, knowing that their struggles are seen and have a purpose in God's greater plan.

Forms and Transliterations

θεατρον θέατρον θεέ θεεβουλαθώθ θεείμ θεηλάθ theatron théatron

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 19:29 N-ANS
GRK: εἰς τὸ θέατρον συναρπάσαντες Γαῖον
NAS: with one accord into the theater, dragging along
KJV: with one accord into the theatre.
INT: to the theatre having seized with [them] Gaius

Acts 19:31 N-ANS
GRK: εἰς τὸ θέατρον
NAS: him not to venture into the theater.
KJV: himself into the theatre.
INT: into the theatre

1 Corinthians 4:9 N-NNS
GRK: ἐπιθανατίους ὅτι θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ
NAS: we have become a spectacle to the world,
KJV: we are made a spectacle unto the world,
INT: appointed to death that a spectacle we became to the

Strong's Greek 2302
3 Occurrences

θέατρον — 3 Occ.