Lexicon neókoros: Temple keeper, temple warden Original Word: νεωκόρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a temple keeper, guardianFrom a form of naos and koreo (to sweep); a temple-servant, i.e. (by implication) a votary -- worshipper. see GREEK naos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a form of naos and koreó (to sweep) Definition a temple keeper NASB Translation guardian of the temple (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3511: νεωκόροςνεωκόρος, νεωκορου, ὁ, ἡ (νεώς or ναός, and κορέω to sweep; (questioned by some; a hint of this derivation is found in Philo de sacerd. honor. § 6 (cf. νεωκορία, de somniis 2, 42), and Hesychius (under the word) defines the word ὁ τόν ναόν κόσμων. κόρειν γάρ τό σαίρειν ἔλεγον (cf. under the word σηκοκόρος; so Etym. Magn. 407, 27, cf. under the word νεωκόρος); yet Suidas under the word κόρη, p. 2157 c. says νεωκόρος οὐχ ὁ Σαρών τοῦ νεωκορου ἀλλ' ὁ ἐπιμελουμενος αὐτοῦ (cf. under the words, νεωκόρος, σηκοκόρος); hence, some connect the last half with root κορ, κολ, cf. Latincuro, colo)); 1. properly, one who sweeps and cleans a temple. 2. one who has charge of a temple, to keep and adorn it, a sacristan: Xenophon, an. 5, 3, 6; Plato, legg. 6, p. 759 a. 3. the worshipper of a deity (οὕς i. e. the Israelites ὁ Θεός ἑαυτῷ νεωκορους ἦγεν through the wilderness, Josephus, b. j. 5, 9, 4); as appears from coins still extant, it was an honorary title (temple-keeper or temple-warden (cf. 2 above)) of certain cities, especially of Asia Minor, in which the special worship of some deity or even of some deified human ruler had been established (cf. Stephanus, Thesaurus, v., p. 1472f; (cf. B. D., under the word worshipper)); so νεωκόρος ... τῆς Ἀρτέμιδος, of Ephesus, Acts 19:35; (see Lightfoot in Contemp. Rev. for 1878, p. 294f; Wood, Discoveries at Ephesus (Lond. 1877), Appendix, passim). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for νεωκόρος, as the concept of a city serving as a temple guardian is more specific to the Greco-Roman context. However, related Hebrew terms might include those associated with temple service and guardianship, such as שׁוֹמֵר (shomer, Strong's Hebrew 8104), meaning "guard" or "keeper," which reflects the role of overseeing and protecting sacred spaces. Usage: The term νεωκόρος is used in the New Testament to describe a city that is honored with the responsibility of maintaining a temple. It is found in the context of cities that were recognized for their dedication to the worship of a particular deity. Context: The term νεωκόρος appears in the New Testament in Acts 19:35, where it is used to describe the city of Ephesus. The city is referred to as the "guardian of the temple of the great Artemis." This designation highlights the city's prestigious role in the religious landscape of the time, as Ephesus was home to the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The title of νεωκόρος was a significant honor, indicating both religious and civic pride. It was a mark of distinction for a city to be entrusted with the care of a major temple, reflecting its importance in the worship and cultural practices of the region. The role of a νεωκόρος was not merely ceremonial; it involved the maintenance and protection of the temple, ensuring that religious rites and traditions were upheld. This term underscores the intertwining of civic and religious life in ancient cities, where the care of a temple was both a privilege and a responsibility. |
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