Lexical Summary thréskos of unc. or.: Religious, devout Original Word: θρῆσκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance religious. Probably from the base of throeo; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. Pious -- religious. see GREEK throeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originreligious NASB Translation religious (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2357: θρησκόςθρησκός (T WH θρησκός, cf. (Tdf. Proleg., p. 101); Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 e.; Lipsius, Grammat. Untersuch., p. 28), θρησκου, ὁ, fearing or worshipping God; religious (apparently from τρέω to tremble; hence, properly, trembling, fearful; cf. J. G. Müller in Theol. Studien und Kritiken for 1835, p. 121; on the different conjectures of others, see Passow, under the word (Curtius, § 316 connects with θρα; hence, 'to adhere to,' 'be a votary of'; cf. Vanicek, p. 395)): James 1:26. (Cf. Trench, § xlviii.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic BackgroundThrēskos (Strong’s 2357) was used in Hellenistic Greek for a person devoted to cultic practice, emphasizing outward religious observance—rituals, ceremonies, and visible acts of worship. Classical writers applied it to followers who scrupulously fulfilled the requirements of their gods, while Hellenistic Jews employed it for those meticulous about temple or synagogue duties. The cognate noun thrēskeia (Strong’s 2356) speaks of “religion” in the sense of worship activities; thrēskos, therefore, characterizes the worshiper whose life is marked by such activities. Biblical Usage The only New Testament appearance is James 1:26, where the apostle employs the adjective to expose a disconnect between profession and practice: “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). James deliberately selects a term that his Jewish-Christian readers would associate with meticulous observance, then measures that observance by an unexpected standard—the disciplined tongue—thereby relocating the center of authentic religion from ritual to transformed character. Context in the Epistle of James James 1:26–27 forms a rhetorical couplet. Verse 26 describes an empty thrēskeia when words are uncontrolled; verse 27 redefines “pure and undefiled religion” (thrēskeia) as compassionate action (“to visit orphans and widows in their distress”) and moral purity (“to keep oneself unstained by the world”). Placing thrēskos in this setting underscores three emphases: 1. Self-perception can be deceiving (“thinks he is religious”). Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Hebrew Scripture never uses thrēskos, yet priests, Levites, Nazirites, and psalmists illustrate the principle that ritual without righteousness is unacceptable (Isaiah 1:11-17; Psalm 51:16-17; Micah 6:6-8). Post-exilic Judaism developed detailed halakhic traditions to safeguard worship, a concern visible in the Pharisaic movement (Matthew 23:23). Within that milieu, thrēskos would naturally describe a devout synagogue attendee or pilgrim—precisely the kind of person James addresses. Contrast with Related New Testament Terms • Eusebeia (“godliness,” 1 Timothy 4:8) centers on reverence toward God expressed in life. Thrēskos differs by highlighting the visible, structured side of devotion. James shows that even the most punctilious thrēskos can be hollow without inner transformation. Historical Significance in the Early Church Early believers gathered in synagogues (Acts 15:21; James 2:2, “assembly,” Greek synagōgē) where public reading, prayer, and almsgiving were routine. As the gospel spread, Jewish and Gentile Christians faced tension over ceremonial matters (Acts 15; Galatians 2). James, a pillar in Jerusalem, addresses a dispersed audience steeped in synagogue culture. By redefining “religious,” he safeguards unity: external forms are valuable only when they channel Christ-like love and moral integrity. Theological Themes 1. Integrity: Worship must align confession, conduct, and compassion. Practical and Pastoral Applications • Self-examination: Congregational involvement, liturgy, and ministry roles do not guarantee spiritual health. Followers of Christ continually test their devotion by scriptural standards. Reflections for Worship and Discipleship Thrēskos calls believers to cherish corporate worship and sacramental life while refusing to separate these from ethical obedience. Pure religion thrives where tongues are bridled, hearts are sincere, and hands reach out to the afflicted. Such integrated faith embodies the Lord’s desire that His people “worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) and so radiate His glory in the world. Forms and Transliterations θρησκος θρησκὸς θρήσκος threskos threskòs thrēskos thrēskòsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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