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.
Transliteration:Zeús
Pronunciation:deece
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2203 (Ζεύς, *Zeús*) refers to the supreme deity of the Greek pantheon. In classical Greek mythology, Zeus was revered as the "Father of Gods and Men," the ruler of Mount Olympus, and the god of the sky, thunder, lightning, law, order, and justice. His Roman equivalent was Jupiter (or Jove), as noted in the base definition. The semantic range of G2203 is thus strictly confined to this specific pagan deity, representing the pinnacle of polytheistic worship in the Greco-Roman world. It embodies the concept of a powerful, yet anthropomorphic and often morally flawed, god in contrast to the transcendent, holy, and singular God of biblical revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2203 appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the book of Acts, in the narrative concerning Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
* In [[Acts 14:12]], after Paul heals a man lame from birth, the crowds of Lystra, witnessing this miracle, exclaim, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" They then identify Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes, "because he was the chief speaker." This identification highlights the deeply ingrained polytheistic worldview of the Lystran populace. Barnabas, perhaps due to his more imposing presence or appearance, was associated with Zeus, the king of the gods.
* [[Acts 14:13]] further solidifies this identification, stating, "The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them." This verse not only confirms the local cult of Zeus but also demonstrates the immediate, visceral reaction of the Lystrans to attribute divine power to the apostles based on their own mythological framework. The attempt to offer sacrifices underscores their belief that the gods had indeed descended.
The context reveals the profound cultural and theological chasm between the apostles' monotheistic message and the prevailing paganism. Paul and Barnabas vehemently reject this worship, tearing their clothes and proclaiming the living God who made heaven and earth, urging the people to turn from these "futile things" to the one true Creator ([[Acts 14:14-17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The biblical occurrence of G2203 is intrinsically linked to several broader theological and cultural concepts:
* **Idolatry:** The worship of Zeus represents the epitome of idolatry, the veneration of created beings or false deities rather than the Creator. The Bible consistently condemns idolatry as a grave sin against God's unique sovereignty.
* **Polytheism:** The belief in and worship of multiple gods, as practiced by the Lystrans, stands in stark contrast to the biblical affirmation of monotheism—the worship of one true God.
* **False Gods:** Zeus is presented as a "false god" or "futile thing" ([[Acts 14:15]]) in opposition to the "living God." This distinction is crucial throughout Scripture, emphasizing the impotence and non-existence of pagan deities in comparison to the omnipotent God of Israel.
* **Hermes (`{{G2060}}`):** As Paul's perceived counterpart in [[Acts 14:12]], Hermes (Roman Mercury) was the messenger of the gods, often depicted as eloquent. His pairing with Zeus highlights the common mythological associations and the Lystrans' immediate categorization of the apostles within their established pantheon.
* **Paganism:** The entire incident in Lystra serves as a vivid illustration of the pagan religious landscape of the Roman Empire, characterized by temple worship, sacrifices, and the attribution of divine power to various deities.
* **Syncretism:** The episode implicitly warns against syncretism, the blending of different religious beliefs or practices, as the apostles immediately and unequivocally rejected any attempt to conflate their mission with pagan worship.
### Theological Significance
The mention of Zeus in the New Testament, though brief, carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Exclusivity and Sovereignty:** The encounter in Lystra powerfully underscores the biblical doctrine of God's absolute uniqueness and sole sovereignty. The apostles' immediate and fervent rejection of being identified with Zeus reinforces that there is only one true God, the Creator of all things, and no other is worthy of worship. This directly challenges the polytheistic worldview that permeated the ancient world.
* **Condemnation of Idolatry:** The narrative serves as a clear and unambiguous condemnation of idolatry. The Lystrans' attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas as Zeus and Hermes is depicted as a turning away from the "living God" to "futile things" ([[Acts 14:15]]). This aligns with the consistent biblical prohibition against making and worshipping idols, whether physical images or conceptual deities.
* **The Nature of True Worship:** By redirecting the Lystrans from Zeus to the Creator God, Paul and Barnabas articulate the core of true worship: it is directed solely to the one who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them, who gives rain and fruitful seasons, filling hearts with joy ([[Acts 14:15-17]]). This highlights God's active involvement in creation and providence, contrasting sharply with the often capricious and limited nature of pagan gods.
* **Missionary Challenge and Strategy:** The incident illustrates the immense theological and cultural challenges faced by early Christian missionaries. It demonstrates the necessity of clearly distinguishing the God of the Bible from pagan deities and calling for repentance from false worship, even when miracles might be misinterpreted. It also shows the apostles' commitment to preserving the purity of the gospel message and the glory due to God alone.
### Summary
G2203 (Zeus) refers to the supreme deity of the Greek pantheon, the equivalent of the Roman Jupiter. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 14:12]] and [[Acts 14:13]], occurs during Paul and Barnabas's ministry in Lystra. After a miraculous healing, the local populace, steeped in polytheism, mistakenly identifies Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes, attempting to offer sacrifices to them. This incident serves as a crucial biblical moment, highlighting the stark contrast between the pagan world's idolatrous worship of false gods and the apostles' unwavering proclamation of the one true, living God. The vehement rejection of this misidentification by Paul and Barnabas underscores the exclusive sovereignty of the Creator, the absolute condemnation of idolatry, and the foundational call to turn from "futile things" to the God who alone deserves all worship and glory.
TRV