Lexical Summary Artemis: Artemis Original Word: Ἄρτεμις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Diana. Probably from the same as artemon; prompt; Artemis, the name of a Grecian goddess borrowed by the Asiatics for one of their deities -- Diana. see GREEK artemon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Artemis, the name of the Gr. goddess of the hunt NASB Translation Artemis (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 735: ἌρτεμιςἌρτεμις, Ἀρτέμιδος and Ἀρτεμιος, ἡ, Artemis, that is to say, the so-called Tauric or Persian or Ephesian Artemis, the goddess of many Asiatic peoples, to be distinguished from the Artemis of the Greeks, the sister of Apollo; cf. Grimm on 2 Macc., p. 39; (B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Artemis (Strong’s Greek 735) is the name used in the New Testament for the principal deity of Ephesus, whose Latin equivalent is Diana. In Asia Minor she was venerated primarily as a mother-goddess and patroness of fertility, distinct from the Greek huntress Artemis though often conflated with her. Occurrences in Scripture Acts 19:24, 27, 28, 34, 35. All five usages fall within Luke’s account of Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus, forming the backdrop for the unrest instigated by Demetrius the silversmith. Historical Background 1. The Ephesian temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, rebuilt after the 356 BC fire and measuring about 110 × 55 meters. Religious Significance in Ephesus Artemis was viewed as the city’s protector, the guarantor of continued prosperity, and the unifying symbol of civic pride. Her cult combined religion, culture, and economy, so any perceived threat to her honor carried social and financial ramifications. Paul’s Conflict with Artemis Worship 1. The spread of the gospel endangered idolatry-based commerce: “This man Paul has persuaded and turned a great number of people… saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all” (Acts 19:26). Theological Implications • Exclusivity of Worship. Scripture consistently condemns idolatry (Exodus 20:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:14). The Ephesian episode illustrates how proclaiming Christ exposes and displaces false gods. Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Gospel Proclamation Confronts Cultural Idols. Contemporary evangelism must expect opposition when financial interests are tied to false worship or immoral practices. Legacy and Continual Relevance Although the temple now lies in ruins, the narrative of Artemis highlights enduring realities: the allure of material prosperity linked to false religion, the inevitable clash between the gospel and idolatry, and the triumph of Christ’s kingdom. Modern “temples” may differ in form, yet the call remains to “keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21) and to proclaim the Lord who alone is “worthy to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). Forms and Transliterations Αρτεμιδος Ἀρτέμιδος Αρτεμις Ἄρτεμις Artemidos Artémidos Artemis ÁrtemisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 19:24 N-GFSGRK: ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος παρείχετο τοῖς NAS: shrines of Artemis, was bringing KJV: silver shrines for Diana, brought no INT: shrines silver of Artemis brought to the Acts 19:27 N-GFS Acts 19:28 N-NFS Acts 19:34 N-NFS Acts 19:35 N-GFS Strong's Greek 735 |
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