neuter of ἱερός; a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas ναός denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere):--temple.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hierón**, represented by `{{G2411}}`, refers to a **sacred place**. It appears **71 times** across **67 unique verses**, denoting the entire precincts of the Temple, as distinct from the central sanctuary itself. It signifies a consecrated area central to worship, teaching, and community life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2411}}` serves as the primary setting for pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry and the life of the early church. It was a place of constant teaching, where Jesus could be found daily instructing the people ([[Luke 19:47]], [[Mark 14:49]]). The **temple** was also the site of righteous anger, as when Jesus cast out all those who bought and sold within its courts, overthrowing the tables of the moneychangers [[Matthew 21:12]]. For the first believers, it remained a place of fellowship and worship, where they continued daily with one accord [[Acts 2:46]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the activities and significance of the temple:
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (a priest): The priests were the ministers of the **temple**. Their service within the sacred place is noted, as when priests in the **temple** profane the sabbath and are blameless [[Matthew 12:5]].
* `{{G2413}}` **hierós** (sacred): As the root word, it describes things that are holy. It is used to explain that those who minister about holy things live of the things of the **temple** [[1 Corinthians 9:13]].
* `{{G2379}}` **thysiastḗrion** (an altar): A central feature of temple worship. Those who wait at the **altar** are partakers with the **altar**, connecting their service directly to the sacred space [[1 Corinthians 9:13]].
* `{{G4755}}` **stratēgós** (captain): Refers to the captain of the **temple**, a key official responsible for order within the precincts who confronted the apostles [[Acts 4:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2411}}` is significant, highlighting it as a place of divine encounter and human conflict.
* **Center of Public Ministry:** The **temple** was the primary public stage for teaching and preaching, both for Jesus and the apostles. Jesus taught there openly [[John 18:20]], and after his ascension, the apostles continued to teach and preach Jesus Christ daily in the **temple** [[Acts 5:42]].
* **A House of Prayer:** Its purpose as a place of worship and prayer is emphasized. Peter and John went to the **temple** at the hour of prayer [[Acts 3:1]], and a widow served God there with fastings and prayers night and day [[Luke 2:37]].
* **Site of Contention and Judgment:** The **temple** was also a place where religious authority was challenged and spiritual battles were waged. Jesus' presence is declared to be greater than the **temple** [[Matthew 12:6]], and Paul was accused of polluting the holy place, leading to his arrest [[Acts 21:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2411}}` is more than just a physical location; it is the heart of religious life and discourse in the Gospels and Acts. As the **hierón**, or sacred precincts, it was the setting for teaching, healing, prayer, and worship. It also served as a focal point for the conflicts between Jesus and the religious authorities, and later, the challenges faced by the early church. Its frequent mention underscores its central importance in the biblical narrative.
TRV