### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word βωμός (bōmós) is derived from the base of βάσις (basis, `{{G939}}`), which signifies "a stepping," "a base," or "a foundation." This etymological root informs the primary meaning of βωμός as "a stand" or "a raised platform." From this general sense, the word specifically came to denote an "altar," a raised structure used for religious offerings or sacrifices. In classical Greek literature, βωμός could refer to altars of various deities, both Olympian and chthonic, and did not inherently carry a negative connotation. However, in the New Testament, its singular usage carries a distinct nuance, often differentiating it from altars dedicated to the God of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word βωμός appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 17:23]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its particular usage and theological implications within the biblical corpus.
In [[Acts 17:23]], Paul is addressing the Areopagus in Athens, a city renowned for its philosophical and religious devotion. He states, "For as I passed through and observed the objects of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you." The βωμός here is clearly a pagan altar, erected by the Athenians to appease any deity they might have inadvertently overlooked, thus ensuring comprehensive religious observance.
The context is crucial: Paul is not referring to the altar of the Jerusalem Temple or any altar associated with the worship of Yahweh. Instead, he engages with the pagan religious landscape of Athens, using a culturally resonant artifact—a pagan βωμός—as a point of contact for his evangelistic message. This distinguishes βωμός from θυσιαστήριον (thysiastērion, `{{G2379}}`), the more common Greek word for "altar" in the Septuagint and New Testament, which typically refers to altars used in Jewish or Christian worship. The choice of βωμός underscores the foreign, non-Yahwistic nature of the altar Paul observes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most important related word is θυσιαστήριον (thysiastērion, `{{G2379}}`), which means "altar" and is derived from θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`), meaning "sacrifice." θυσιαστήριον is used extensively throughout the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeakh, `{{H4196}}`), referring to the altars in the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as altars for legitimate sacrifice to Yahweh. In the New Testament, θυσιαστήριον is used for both Jewish altars (e.g., [[Matthew 5:23]], [[Luke 1:11]]) and, metaphorically, the "altar" of Christian worship or Christ's sacrifice (e.g., [[Hebrews 13:10]], [[Revelation 6:9]]). The distinction between βωμός and θυσιαστήριον in the New Testament is therefore significant: βωμός points to pagan altars, while θυσιαστήριον generally refers to altars associated with the worship of the true God, or the spiritual reality of Christ's sacrifice.
Other related concepts include idolatry, paganism, and the worship of "unknown gods." The presence of a βωμός "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD" highlights humanity's inherent religious impulse and its often-misguided attempts to connect with the divine, leading to polytheism and idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The sole New Testament occurrence of βωμός in [[Acts 17:23]] carries profound theological significance, particularly in the context of missions and the nature of God.
1. **Distinction between True and False Worship:** Paul's encounter with the βωμός in Athens serves to highlight the fundamental difference between pagan worship, characterized by ignorance and multiplicity of deities, and the worship of the one true God, revealed in Christ. The "unknown god" inscription on the βωμός ironically points to the Athenians' spiritual blindness, which Paul then seeks to illuminate.
2. **God's Transcendence and Self-Sufficiency:** Paul uses the altar as a springboard to declare that the God he proclaims "does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things" ([[Acts 17:24-25]]). This directly contrasts the pagan understanding of deities who require physical altars and human offerings to be appeased. The true God is not dependent on human structures or sacrifices in the way pagan gods were perceived to be.
3. **Evangelistic Strategy:** Paul's approach demonstrates a masterful example of contextualized evangelism. He does not condemn the Athenians outright but acknowledges their religiosity, even their "unknown god" altar, as a point of common ground. He uses their own religious artifact to introduce the God whom they worship in ignorance, transforming a pagan βωμός into a platform for gospel proclamation. This illustrates the principle of meeting people where they are to lead them to divine truth.
### Summary
The Greek word βωμός (bōmós) fundamentally means "a stand" or "raised platform," specifically denoting an "altar." Its singular appearance in the New Testament, at [[Acts 17:23]], is highly significant, referring to a pagan altar in Athens dedicated "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD." This usage clearly distinguishes βωμός from θυσιαστήριον (`{{G2379}}`), the more common term for altars associated with the worship of Yahweh. The context of Paul's sermon on the Areopagus underscores the theological distinction between pagan worship and the worship of the one true God, emphasizing God's transcendence and self-sufficiency over human-made religious structures. Ultimately, the βωμός in Athens served as a crucial rhetorical device for Paul, enabling him to bridge cultural gaps and proclaim the Gospel to a polytheistic society.
TRV