of uncertain affinity; in the oblique cases there is used instead of it a (probably cognate) name , which is otherwise obsolete; Zeus or Dis (among the Latins, Jupiter or Jove), the supreme deity of the Greeks:--Jupiter.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Zeús**, represented by `{{G2203}}`, is the name for Jupiter or Jove, the supreme deity of the Greeks. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's use is confined to a specific incident where the apostles were mistaken for pagan gods.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2203}}` appears exclusively in the book of Acts. When the people of a city witnessed a miracle, they wrongly identified Barnabas as **Jupiter** [[Acts 14:12]]. This misidentification was so profound that the priest of the local temple of **Jupiter** brought oxen and garlands to the city gates, intending to offer a sacrifice to Barnabas and Paul [[Acts 14:13]]. The context highlights a direct clash between the early church's message and Greco-Roman pagan worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in the same context, providing a fuller picture of the event:
* `{{G2060}}` **Hermēs**: meaning "Hermes, the name of the messenger of the Greek deities; also of a Christian:--Hermes, Mercury." While the people called Barnabas Jupiter, they called Paul Mercurius because he was the chief speaker [[Acts 14:12]].
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús**: a "priest". This word identifies the religious official, the **priest** of Jupiter, who prepared to lead the worship of the apostles [[Acts 14:13]].
* `{{G5022}}` **taûros**: a "bullock" or "ox." These animals, called **oxen**, were brought by the priest to be sacrificed to the men he believed were gods [[Acts 14:13]].
* `{{G2380}}` **thýō**: to "sacrifice" or "immolate." This verb describes the action the priest of Jupiter intended to carry out [[Acts 14:13]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G2203}}` is significant for illustrating key challenges faced by the early church.
* **Pagan Misinterpretation:** The incident shows how the local population interpreted a divine miracle through the lens of their own polytheistic beliefs, immediately equating the apostles with their own deities like **Jupiter** [[Acts 14:12]].
* **The Problem of Idolatry:** The attempt to offer sacrifices to Barnabas as **Jupiter** is a stark example of idolatry, where humans are deified. The apostles' vehement rejection of this act reinforces the first commandment.
* **Cultural Context:** The presence of a priest and temple dedicated to **Jupiter** underscores the pervasive influence of Greek and Roman religion in the regions where the apostles ministered [[Acts 14:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2203}}` is not a theological term but the proper name of a pagan god, **Jupiter**. Its biblical importance comes entirely from its role in the narrative of Acts 14, where it marks a moment of cultural and religious conflict. The account demonstrates how the early Christian message was often misunderstood and how the apostles had to confront and correct the idolatrous practices of their time.
TRV