Lexical Summary naos: Temple, sanctuary Original Word: ναός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shrine, temple. From a primary naio (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple -- shrine, temple. Compare hieron. see GREEK hieron HELPS Word-studies 3485 naós (from naiō, "to dwell") – properly, a sanctuary (divine dwelling-place); a temple (sacred abode), the place of divine manifestation. 3485 (naós) refers to the sanctuary (the Jewish Temple proper), i.e. with just its two inner compartments (rooms). These consisted of: NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably akin to naió (to inhabit) Definition a temple NASB Translation shrines (1), temple (42), temple sanctuary (1), temples (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3485: ναόςναός, ναοῦ, ὁ (ναίω to dwell), the Sept. for הֵיכָל, used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of holies (in classical Greek used of the sanctuary or cell of a temple, where the image of the god was placed, called also δόμος, σηκός, which is to be distinguished from τό ἱερόν, the whole temple, the entire consecrated enclosure; this distinction is observed also in the Bible; see ἱερόν, p. 299{a}): Matthew 23:16f, 35 27:40; Mark 14:58; Mark 15:29; John 2:19; Revelation 11:2; nor need Matthew 27:5 be regarded as an exception, provided we suppose that Judas in his desperation entered the Holy place, which no one but the priests was allowed to enter ((note the εἰς (others, ἐν) of T Tr WH)). with Θεοῦ, τοῦ Θεοῦ, added: Matthew 26:61; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 11:1; used specifically of the Holy place, where the priests officiated: Luke 1:9, 21f; of the Holy of holies (see καταπέτασμα), Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45. in the visions of the Revelation used of the temple of the 'New Jerusalem': Revelation 3:12; Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, 17; Revelation 15:5f, 8; Revelation 16:1, 17; of any temple whatever prepared for the true God, Acts 7:48 Rec.; Topical Lexicon Foundational Background The term Ναός (Strong’s Greek 3485) denotes the sanctuary proper—the dwelling place of God—rather than the wider temple precincts. Scripture consistently presents it as the unique sphere of divine presence, holiness, sacrifice, and worship, themes that converge and culminate in Jesus Christ, His people, and the eternal state. Literal Sanctuary in Jerusalem Naos first appears in the New Testament with reference to the Second Temple, particularly its inner courts: Jesus and the Temple The Gospels portray Jesus’ zeal for His Father’s house (John 2:17) and His authority within it (Matthew 21:12-13). His prediction, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19), initially perplexed His hearers; John clarifies, “He was speaking about the temple of His body” (John 2:21). Thus, the physical sanctuary becomes a prophetic shadow of Christ’s death and resurrection. Christ Himself as the True Temple Colossians 2:9 teaches that “in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.” The incarnation locates God’s presence not in stone but in the Son, fulfilling typological strands running from Eden’s garden sanctuary through the tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple to the Messiah. The Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit Paul applies naos to the corporate body of believers: Destructive intrusions therefore invite severe warning: “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him” (1 Corinthians 3:17). Personal Sanctity and Ministry Practice Because the Spirit inhabits the naos of the believer, ministry is pursued with reverence, ethical rigor, and sacrificial love. Stewardship of body, time, and resources reflects sanctuary holiness; corporate gatherings mirror priestly service; discipline protects the integrity of God’s dwelling. The Heavenly Temple Hebrews anticipates “the true tabernacle set up by the Lord” (Hebrews 8:2), and Revelation grants visions of that celestial reality: Eschatological Antagonism 2 Thessalonians 2:4 foresees the “man of lawlessness” exalting himself “in the temple of God,” a sober reminder that counterfeit worship will climax before Christ’s return, yet cannot cancel God’s sovereign plan. No Temple in the New Jerusalem The biblical storyline ends with magnificence beyond the need of a sanctuary: “But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). The mediated presence that characterized Eden, the tabernacle, and Jerusalem’s sanctuary yields to unrestricted fellowship; God’s people dwell forever in the immediacy of His glory. Theological and Ministerial Implications 1. Worship centers on Christ, not geography; He is the locus of divine presence. Strong’s 3485 therefore charts Scripture’s grand movement from promised presence to realized communion, urging reverent service until faith becomes sight. Forms and Transliterations ναοις ναοίς ναοῖς ναον ναόν ναὸν ναος ναός ναὸς ναου ναού ναοῦ ναους ναούς ναοὺς ναω ναώ ναῷ nao naō naôi naō̂i naois naoîs naon naòn naos naòs naou naoû naous naoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:16 N-DMSGRK: ἐν τῷ ναῷ οὐδέν ἐστιν NAS: swears by the temple, [that] is nothing; KJV: by the temple, it is INT: by the temple nothing it is Matthew 23:16 N-GMS Matthew 23:17 N-NMS Matthew 23:21 N-DMS Matthew 23:35 N-GMS Matthew 26:61 N-AMS Matthew 27:5 N-AMS Matthew 27:40 N-AMS Matthew 27:51 N-GMS Mark 14:58 N-AMS Mark 15:29 N-AMS Mark 15:38 N-GMS Luke 1:9 N-AMS Luke 1:21 N-DMS Luke 1:22 N-DMS Luke 23:45 N-GMS John 2:19 N-AMS John 2:20 N-NMS John 2:21 N-GMS Acts 17:24 N-DMP Acts 19:24 N-AMP 1 Corinthians 3:16 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 3:17 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 3:17 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 6:19 N-NMS Strong's Greek 3485 |
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