Lexical Summary kateidólos: Idolatrous, full of idols Original Word: κατείδωλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wholly given to idolatry. From kata (intensively) and eidolon; utterly idolatrous -- wholly given to idolatry. see GREEK kata see GREEK eidolon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and eidólon Definition full of idols NASB Translation full of idols (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2712: κατείδωλοςκατείδωλος, κατείδωλον (κατά and εἴδωλον; after the analogy of καταμπελος, καταγομος, κατάχρυσος, καταδενδρος, etc. (see κατά, III. 3, and cf. Herm. ad Vig., p. 638)), full of idols: Acts 17:16. (Not found in secular authors (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3).) Topical Lexicon Definition and Context κατείδωλος describes a locale saturated with idols or images for worship. Luke employs the term once, Acts 17:16, to portray Athens as pervasively idolatrous. The vocabulary choice sets the stage for Paul’s ensuing address in the Areopagus, highlighting the stark contrast between the one true God and the multiplicity of man-made deities. Historical Background Athens in the mid–first century was a living museum of religious statuary. Ancient writers claimed more gods than men resided there, and temples to Athena, Hephaestus, Dionysus, and a host of lesser divinities lined the Agora and the Acropolis. Such devotion, long admired by Greek thinkers, appeared to Luke—and to Paul—as spiritual bondage. The visual overload of marble and bronze testified to the cultural sophistication of Athens, yet biblically it signaled a society estranged from the Creator. Theology of Idolatry Scripture consistently opposes the manufacture or veneration of images (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Isaiah 44:9-20). Idolatry not only misrepresents God’s nature but also enslaves worshipers to the work of their own hands (Psalm 115:4-8). The Greek term conveys that an environment “full of idols” is the inevitable result when humanity exchanges the glory of the incorruptible God for mortal likenesses (Romans 1:23). Thus, κατείδωλος is more than a geographic description; it is a theological indictment. Apostolic Response in Acts 17 “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16). The apostle’s inner turmoil reveals a righteous jealousy for God’s honor and compassion for those deceived by false worship. Rather than withdraw, Paul reasons daily in the synagogue and marketplace, culminating in his proclamation of the “unknown God” who “gives life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:22-25). The presence of κατείδωλος prompts gospel engagement, not retreat. Implications for Contemporary Ministry 1. Spiritual Discernment: Believers should cultivate sensitivity similar to Paul’s, recognizing idolatry’s many modern forms—materialism, individualism, entertainment, political ideology. Related Biblical Passages • Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:13-15 – foundational prohibition of idols The single New Testament use of κατείδωλος thus opens a window onto a perennial biblical theme: the ever-present tension between false worship and the call to serve the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations κατειδωλον κατείδωλον kateidolon kateidōlon kateídolon kateídōlonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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