### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hierosyléō**, represented by `{{G2416}}`, is a sharply focused term meaning **to be a temple-robber**, or figuratively, to **commit sacrilege**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, signifying its specific and potent application. The word conveys the idea of violating or profaning something sacred, not just through literal theft from a temple, but through hypocritical action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G2416}}` occurs in a powerful rhetorical question. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul confronts religious hypocrisy by asking, "thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou **commit sacrilege**?" [[Romans 2:22]]. This question is designed to expose the contradiction of someone who outwardly detests the worship of images but inwardly partakes in actions that are equally offensive to God. The context suggests that this sacrilege is a spiritual robbery, where one's actions profane the very faith they claim to uphold.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Romans 2:22]] illuminate the meaning of sacrilege:
* `{{G948}}` **bdelýssō** (to be disgusted, detest): This word, translated as **abhorrest**, describes the strong verbal position taken against idolatry. The use of `{{G2416}}` immediately after this shows that an internal sin can be just as abominable as the external one a person claims to detest [[Romans 2:22]].
* `{{G1497}}` **eídōlon** (an image for worship, an idol): This is the object of the professed hatred. Paul's argument contrasts the shunning of physical **idols** with the act of sacrilege, implying that hypocrisy is its own form of profanity [[Romans 2:22]].
* `{{G3431}}` **moicheúō** (to commit adultery): This word is used in a parallel question in the same verse: "Thou that sayest a man should not **commit adultery**, dost thou **commit adultery**?" [[Romans 2:22]]. It establishes the pattern of condemning a sin in others while practicing it oneself, setting the stage for the charge of sacrilege.
* `{{G3004}}` **légō** (to say, relate in words): The verse begins with "Thou that **sayest**..." [[Romans 2:22]], highlighting the conflict between verbal profession and actual conduct. This underscores that sacrilege can be committed by those who say all the right things but whose actions rob God of genuine honor.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2416}}` is centered on its singular, powerful use to teach about spiritual integrity.
* **The Sin of Hypocrisy:** The primary theological point is the condemnation of hypocrisy. The act of committing sacrilege is presented as the ultimate contradiction for a religious person, revealing that outward observance without inner purity is a defilement of the sacred [[Romans 2:22]].
* **Spiritual Robbery:** `{{G2416}}` expands the concept of sacrilege from a physical act to a spiritual one. It suggests that when a person who represents God acts in a way that dishonors Him, they are figuratively "robbing" God of the glory due to His name.
* **Internal vs. External Righteousness:** The term is used to argue that true righteousness is not merely the avoidance of external sins like idolatry. It demands internal consistency, where the heart and actions align with the professed faith. To abhor idols but commit sacrilege is to fail this fundamental test.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2416}}` is far more than a simple term for theft. Though rare, its appearance in Scripture is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical condemnation of hypocrisy. It illustrates how a single word in a rhetorical question can carry immense theological force, defining sacrilege not just as robbing a temple, but as the spiritual crime of dishonoring God through a life that contradicts one's professed beliefs.
TRV