neuter of a presumed derivative of εἴδωλον; an image-fane:--idol's temple.
Transliteration:eidōleîon
Pronunciation:i-do-li'-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon, `{{G1493}}`) is a compound word derived from εἴδωλον (eidōlon, `{{G1497}}`), meaning "idol" or "image," and the suffix -εῖον, which denotes a place or building. Thus, its core meaning is "a place of idols" or "an idol-shrine." The King James Version's rendering "idol's temple" accurately conveys this sense. Semantically, it refers specifically to a physical structure—a temple, shrine, or cultic building—where pagan idols were housed and worshipped. It is distinct from other sacred spaces, clearly identifying a location dedicated to polytheistic or false worship, carrying the strong connotation of paganism and all its associated practices.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἰδωλεῖον appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Corinthians 8:10]]: "For if anyone sees you, who have knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, will not he who is weak be encouraged to eat food offered to idols?"
In this passage, Paul is addressing the complex issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. While he asserts that "an idol is nothing in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4) and that food itself is neutral, his concern here shifts to the *context* and *perception* of actions. Eating *in* an εἰδωλεῖον, an idol's temple, is presented as a problematic action. The "strong" believer, who understands Christian liberty and the impotence of idols, might see no harm in it. However, a "weak" believer, whose conscience is more sensitive or whose understanding is less developed, might interpret such an action as participation in pagan worship, thereby being "encouraged" (or emboldened) to violate their own conscience by eating food offered to idols. Paul's argument is not about the inherent defilement of the building but about the potential for causing a brother to stumble and for compromising the Christian witness. The physical location of the εἰδωλεῖον, with its clear association with idolatry, makes the act of eating within it highly visible and potentially scandalous.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εἴδωλον (eidōlon, `{{G1497}}`):** The root word, meaning "idol" or "image," signifying the object of false worship. The εἰδωλεῖον is the house for the εἴδωλον.
* **εἰδωλολατρία (eidōlolatria, `{{G1495}}`):** "Idolatry," the act or practice of worshipping idols. This term describes the activity that takes place within an εἰδωλεῖον.
* **εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolatrēs, `{{G1496}}`):** "Idolater," one who practices idolatry. These are the individuals who would frequent and participate in rites within an εἰδωλεῖον.
* **βωμός (bōmos, `{{G957}}`):** "Altar," often found within an εἰδωλεῖον, where sacrifices to idols would be made.
* **ναός (naos, `{{G3485}}`):** "Temple," specifically the inner sanctuary or dwelling place of a deity. While broader in meaning, it can refer to a pagan temple's inner sanctum, similar in function to an εἰδωλεῖον.
* **ἱερόν (hieron, `{{G2411}}`):** "Temple" in a more general sense, often referring to the entire temple complex, including outer courts. This term is used for both the Jewish Temple and pagan temples, contrasting with the specific pagan connotation of εἰδωλεῖον.
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`):** "Fellowship" or "participation." Paul warns against having "fellowship with demons" (1 Corinthians 10:20-21) in the context of eating food offered to idols, highlighting that though the idol is nothing, the spiritual forces behind idolatry are real and antithetical to communion with Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament use of εἰδωλεῖον holds significant theological weight, primarily in the areas of Christian liberty, witness, and separation from paganism.
1. **Christian Liberty and Conscience:** The passage in 1 Corinthians 8 underscores that while believers possess liberty in Christ (e.g., in understanding that idols are "nothing"), this liberty must always be exercised with love and consideration for the conscience of fellow believers. To act in a way that causes a "weak" brother to stumble into sin (violating their conscience) is to "sin against Christ" (1 Corinthians 8:12). The εἰδωλεῖον serves as a concrete example of a context where such stumbling could occur.
2. **Maintaining a Clear Witness:** Christians are called to be distinct from the surrounding world. Being seen in an εἰδωλεῖον could blur the lines between Christian faith and pagan practices, compromising the integrity of the Christian witness to both believers and unbelievers. It speaks to the importance of avoiding even the *appearance* of evil or compromise.
3. **Separation from Idolatry and Demonic Influence:** While Paul asserts the "nothingness" of idols, he later warns against participation in pagan sacrifices because "the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God" (1 Corinthians 10:20). This implies that the εἰδωλεῖον, as a place of idol worship, is not merely an empty building but a locus associated with demonic activity and influence. Therefore, true worship of God is incompatible with any form of participation or perceived association with an εἰδωλεῖον.
4. **Holiness and Purity:** The concept of the believer's body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) stands in stark contrast to an εἰδωλεῖον. Christians are called to be holy and set apart, reflecting God's purity and rejecting all forms of idolatry and its associated environments.
### Summary
The Greek word εἰδωλεῖον (eidōleîon, `{{G1493}}`) precisely denotes an "idol's temple" or "idol-shrine," a physical structure dedicated to pagan worship. Its solitary but pivotal appearance in [[1 Corinthians 8:10]] highlights a critical ethical concern for early Christians: the exercise of Christian liberty in a way that does not cause weaker believers to stumble or compromise the integrity of the Christian witness. While mature believers might understand the spiritual impotence of idols, the *context* of being seen within an εἰδωλεῖον could lead others to perceive participation in idolatry. The term thus underscores the imperative for believers to maintain a clear separation from pagan practices and their environments, not only for the sake of their own purity but also out of love and concern for the conscience of their fellow believers and the clarity of their testimony in a world steeped in idolatry.
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