neuter of a compound of εἴδωλον and a presumed derivative of θύω; an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering:--(meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols.
Transliteration:eidōlóthyton
Pronunciation:i-do-loth'-oo-ton
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term eidōlóthyton (`{{G1494}}`) is a compound word, formed from eídōlon (`{{G1497}}`), meaning "idol" or "image," and a presumed derivative of thýō (`{{G2380}}`), meaning "to sacrifice" or "to offer." Literally, it signifies "idol-sacrifice" or "that which has been sacrificed to an idol." In its most direct sense, it refers to meat or other food items that have been offered as part of a pagan religious ritual to a deity. The neuter form of the word emphasizes "the thing" or "the item" that has undergone this sacrificial process. Its semantic range is tightly bound to the practices of idolatry prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, specifically the consumption of food previously consecrated to pagan gods.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term eidōlóthyton appears primarily in the Pauline epistles and the book of Revelation, along with a crucial mention in Acts.
In [[1 Corinthians 8]], Paul addresses the complex issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. He acknowledges that "an idol is nothing in the world" ([[1 Corinthians 8:4]]), implying that the meat itself is not inherently defiled. However, he introduces the principle of love, emphasizing that knowledge alone is insufficient. For those with a "weak conscience" ([[1 Corinthians 8:7]]), eating such meat could lead them to violate their conscience and be defiled, or even be emboldened to participate in idolatry ([[1 Corinthians 8:10]]). Paul's concern is not for the meat, but for the spiritual well-being of the brother.
This discussion continues in [[1 Corinthians 10]], where Paul warns against true participation in pagan worship. He clarifies that while the meat itself is nothing, the act of sacrificing to idols is a form of fellowship with demons ([[1 Corinthians 10:19-20]]). Believers cannot partake of "the table of the Lord and the table of demons" ([[1 Corinthians 10:21]]). Yet, he also offers a pragmatic guideline: if meat from the market is bought without knowledge of its origin, it is permissible ([[1 Corinthians 10:25]]). However, if a host explicitly states that the food is eidōlóthyton, one should abstain for the sake of the informer's conscience ([[1 Corinthians 10:28]]).
The Jerusalem Council's decree in [[Acts 15:29]] (reiterated in [[Acts 21:25]]) includes abstaining from eidōlóthyton as one of four key prohibitions for Gentile believers. This was a crucial decision aimed at fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, addressing concerns about practices that were deeply offensive to Jewish sensibilities and associated with pagan immorality.
Finally, in [[Revelation 2:14]] and [[Revelation 2:20]], the consumption of eidōlóthyton is condemned in the letters to the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira. This is linked to the teachings of Balaam and Jezebel, which led God's people into spiritual compromise and sexual immorality. Here, eating eidōlóthyton is presented as an act of spiritual unfaithfulness and a participation in idolatrous practices that incur divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of eidōlóthyton is enriched by its relationship to several other biblical terms and concepts:
* eídōlon (`{{G1497}}`): The root word for "idol," signifying the false god or image to which the sacrifice is made, underscoring the nature of the object of worship.
* thýō (`{{G2380}}`): "To sacrifice" or "to kill," which defines the action performed upon the food item, transforming it into eidōlóthyton.
* koinōnía (`{{G2932}}`): "Fellowship" or "participation." This concept is central to Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 10, where eating eidōlóthyton is viewed as participating in demonic worship.
* skándalon (`{{G4621}}`): "Stumbling block" or "offense." Paul's concern for the "weak brother" highlights how consuming eidōlóthyton could become a cause for another's spiritual downfall.
* porneía (`{{G4202}}`): "Sexual immorality." Often linked with idolatry (as seen in Revelation), signifying the comprehensive moral corruption associated with pagan worship.
* Old Testament Dietary Laws: While the New Covenant transcends the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, the historical context of Jewish aversion to food defiled by idolatry (`{{H8441}}` - *tô'ebah*, "abomination") informs the Jerusalem Council's decree and the sensitivities addressed by Paul.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eidōlóthyton is profound and multifaceted:
* **Abhorrence of Idolatry:** At its core, the discussions surrounding eidōlóthyton reinforce the biblical God's absolute prohibition against idolatry. The New Testament, like the Old, demands exclusive worship of the one true God, viewing any participation in idol worship as spiritual adultery.
* **Christian Liberty and Love:** Paul's teaching on eidōlóthyton in 1 Corinthians is a foundational text for understanding Christian liberty. While believers are free from the law and recognize the nothingness of idols, this freedom is not absolute. It must be exercised within the bounds of love for one's fellow believers, ensuring that one's actions do not cause a weaker brother to stumble or violate their conscience. Love, not mere knowledge, is the guiding principle.
* **Separation and Holiness:** The prohibition against eidōlóthyton in Acts and Revelation serves as a clear boundary marker for Christian identity. It signifies the call to holiness and a decisive separation from the spiritual and moral compromises of the surrounding pagan culture. Believers are to be distinct, pure, and wholly devoted to Christ.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** Paul's strong language in 1 Corinthians 10, linking eating eidōlóthyton to "fellowship with demons," elevates the issue beyond a mere dietary matter. It reveals a deeper spiritual reality where participation in pagan rituals, even passively, can open one to demonic influence or compromise one's allegiance to Christ.
* **Unity in the Early Church:** The Jerusalem Council's decision regarding eidōlóthyton demonstrates the early church's wisdom in navigating cultural and theological tensions. By establishing clear guidelines, they sought to promote unity and facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, while upholding essential ethical and theological principles.
### Summary
Eidōlóthyton (`{{G1494}}`) denotes "meat or things sacrificed to idols," a term that encapsulates a significant theological and ethical challenge for the early church. Rooted in the compound of eídōlon (idol) and a derivative of thýō (to sacrifice), it directly addresses the practical implications of living as a Christian in a pagan society. Its occurrences in [[1 Corinthians 8]], [[1 Corinthians 10]], [[Acts 15:29]], [[Acts 21:25]], [[Revelation 2:14]], and [[Revelation 2:20]] reveal its critical importance. Theologically, eidōlóthyton underscores God's absolute abhorrence of idolatry, provides a nuanced framework for understanding Christian liberty guided by love for others, emphasizes the necessity of believers' separation and holiness from pagan practices, highlights the spiritual dangers of compromising allegiance to Christ, and illustrates the early church's commitment to unity through practical wisdom. The biblical treatment of eidōlóthyton continues to offer enduring principles for believers navigating cultural pressures and maintaining faithful witness to the Lord.