### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **theá**, represented by `{{G2299}}`, is the feminine form of the word for God and means **a female deity** or goddess. It appears just **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, with all occurrences found in a single chapter of the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G2299}}` is exclusively found in the account of the riot in Ephesus. The silversmiths, whose craft was making shrines for Diana, feared that their trade would be set at nought and the **temple** `{{G2411}}` of the great **goddess** Diana would be despised. They worried her **magnificence** `{{G3168}}`, which all Asia and the world worshipped, would be destroyed [[Acts 19:27]]. The townclerk later calms the crowd by reminding them that the city of the Ephesians is a **worshipper** `{{G3511}}` of the great **goddess** Diana [[Acts 19:35]]. He then defends Paul and his companions, stating that they are neither robbers of churches nor **blasphemers** `{{G987}}` of their **goddess** [[Acts 19:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used alongside `{{G2299}}` in the Ephesus narrative, providing a fuller picture of the pagan religious system:
* `{{G2411}}` **hierón**: a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts of the Temple. The concern was that the **temple** of the goddess would be despised [[Acts 19:27]].
* `{{G3168}}` **megaleiótēs**: superbness, i.e. glory or splendor. This word describes the **magnificence** of the goddess that was at risk of being destroyed [[Acts 19:27]].
* `{{G3511}}` **neōkóros**: a temple-servant, i.e. (by implication) a votary. The city of Ephesus is identified as a **worshipper** of the goddess Diana [[Acts 19:35]].
* `{{G4576}}` **sébomai**: to revere, i.e. adore. This describes the action of all Asia and the world, which **worshippeth** the goddess [[Acts 19:27]].
* `{{G2417}}` **hierósylos**: a temple-despoiler. Paul and his companions are defended against the accusation of being **robbers of churches** [[Acts 19:37]].
* `{{G987}}` **blasphēméō**: to vilify; specially, to speak impiously. The Christians were also cleared of being **blasphemers** of the goddess [[Acts 19:37]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2299}}` is centered on its role in highlighting the conflict between pagan idolatry and the truth of the Gospel.
* **Idolatry in Context:** The word is used exclusively to refer to a false deity, Diana of the Ephesians. This provides a clear scriptural example of a prevalent pagan cult that the early church directly confronted.
* **Civic and Economic Entanglement:** The account demonstrates how the worship of the **goddess** was woven into the economy and identity of Ephesus. The fear of losing the craft associated with Diana shows that the opposition to the Gospel was not purely religious but also financial [[Acts 19:27]].
* **Clash of Worship:** The narrative contrasts the reverence for the **goddess** Diana, whose magnificence was worshipped by the known world [[Acts 19:27]], with the message of the apostles that pointed to the one true God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2299}}` is a highly specific term whose biblical usage is confined to the worship of the goddess Diana in Acts 19. While its frequency is low, its context is powerful. It serves as the focal point of a narrative that illustrates the profound social, economic, and spiritual clash between the pagan culture of the Roman Empire and the advancement of the early Christian church. The term and its surrounding vocabulary vividly depict the challenges faced by believers in a world steeped in idolatry.
TRV