from ἱερόσυλος; to be a temple-robber (figuratively):--commit sacrilege.
Transliteration:hierosyléō
Pronunciation:hee-er-os-ool-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2416 (hierosyléō), transliterated as hierosyléō, is a compound word derived from ἱερός (hieros), meaning "sacred" or "holy," and συλάω (sylao), meaning "to plunder" or "to rob." Thus, its core meaning is "to plunder sacred things" or "to commit sacrilege." The base definition provided specifies "to be a temple-robber," highlighting a particular and egregious form of sacrilege involving the physical appropriation of objects or funds dedicated to a deity or housed within a temple. The inclusion of "(figuratively)" in the definition suggests that its semantic range extends beyond mere physical theft to encompass any act that violates, profanes, or disrespects what is considered holy or set apart for divine purposes. It denotes a profound irreverence and a breach of the sanctity attributed to divine institutions, persons, or objects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2416 (hierosyléō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 2:22]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing Jewish believers, exposing the hypocrisy of those who pride themselves on possessing the Law yet fail to live by its precepts. The full verse reads: "You who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege?" ([[Romans 2:22]]).
Contextually, Paul presents a series of rhetorical questions designed to expose the inconsistencies in the behavior of those who condemn the sins of Gentiles but are themselves guilty of similar or even greater transgressions. The accusation of "committing sacrilege" (hierosyléō) immediately follows the statement, "You who abhor idols." This creates a striking paradox. While Jewish people rightly detested pagan idolatry, which often involved the plundering of temples or the misuse of sacred items in their own history (e.g., the Babylonian exile, the Maccabean period), Paul implies that they are guilty of a form of sacrilege themselves.
This sacrilege is unlikely to refer to literal temple robbery in Jerusalem, as this would have been a capital offense and not a widespread issue among the Jewish community Paul addresses. Instead, it points to a more profound, spiritual, or ethical form of sacrilege. Possible interpretations include:
1. **Misappropriation of Temple Funds:** Some Jewish leaders or individuals might have been involved in corrupt practices related to temple finances, effectively "robbing" God of what was due to Him or misusing funds dedicated to sacred purposes.
2. **Dishonoring God's Name:** Paul states in [[Romans 2:24]] that "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." This suggests that their inconsistent and unrighteous conduct, despite their knowledge of the Law, amounted to a profanation of God's holy name, which is a form of sacrilege.
3. **Profaning the Law:** By failing to live up to the Law they boasted in, they effectively treated God's sacred revelation with contempt, nullifying its power and sanctity through their actions.
4. **Spiritual Sacrilege:** More broadly, it could refer to treating anything holy with irreverence or contempt, whether it be God's commands, His temple, His people, or His reputation.
The rhetorical question highlights the profound hypocrisy: condemning outward idolatry while inwardly committing acts that dishonor God and His sacred institutions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb G2416 (hierosyléō) is closely related to its root noun G2417 (hierosylos), which means "a temple-robber" or "one who commits sacrilege." This noun is also derived from ἱερός (hieros) `{{G2413}}` (sacred) and συλάω (sylao) (to plunder). The concept of ἱερός `{{G2413}}` itself is central, denoting that which is consecrated, holy, or set apart for divine use, often implying a physical space (like the temple) or objects within it.
Other related concepts include:
* **Profanation/Desecration:** These terms describe the act of treating something sacred with irreverence or contempt, rendering it unholy. This stands in stark contrast to ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos) `{{G38}}` (sanctification) and καθαρισμός (katharismos) `{{G2511}}` (purification/cleansing), which denote the process of making or keeping something holy.
* **Blasphemy:** As seen in [[Romans 2:24]], the profanation implied by hierosyléō can lead to βλασφημέω (blasphemeō) `{{G987}}` (blasphemy) against God's name among unbelievers.
* **Idolatry:** While distinct, the contrast drawn in [[Romans 2:22]] between abhorring idols and committing sacrilege suggests a thematic link. Both involve a misdirection or disrespect concerning divine honor, though idolatry typically involves worship of false gods, and sacrilege involves the violation of what belongs to the true God.
* **Stewardship:** The concept implies a failure in the proper care and respect for that which has been entrusted by God, especially sacred resources or privileges.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The Old Testament provides numerous examples of sacrilege and its severe consequences, such as Nadab and Abihu offering "unauthorized fire" ([[Leviticus 10:1-2]]), Uzzah touching the Ark of the Covenant ([[2 Samuel 6:6-7]]), and the various instances of temple desecration by foreign powers or apostate Israelites. These incidents underscore the gravity of violating God's holiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hierosyléō lies in its direct challenge to God's holiness and sovereignty. To commit sacrilege is to violate that which is consecrated to God, thereby disrespecting Him directly. It is an act of profound irreverence that undermines the very distinction between the sacred and the profane, a distinction foundational to biblical theology.
In [[Romans 2:22]], the use of hierosyléō extends the concept beyond literal temple robbery to a more pervasive spiritual and ethical failure. It highlights the danger of external religiosity that lacks internal integrity. One can outwardly condemn certain sins (like idolatry) yet inwardly be guilty of dishonoring God through hypocrisy, misuse of spiritual privileges, or unrighteous living. This form of "spiritual sacrilege" is arguably more insidious, as it masquerades under the guise of piety.
For the New Covenant believer, the theological implications deepen. The New Testament teaches that believers are individually and corporately the temple of the Holy Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 6:19]], [[Ephesians 2:21-22]]). Therefore, any act that defiles the body, dishonors God through one's life, or brings disrepute to the Christian community can be seen as a form of spiritual sacrilege. This includes:
* Misusing spiritual gifts for personal gain or glory.
* Treating the sacraments (e.g., communion) lightly or unworthily.
* Profaning God's name through ungodly conduct.
* Exploiting the church for selfish ends.
* Living in a way that contradicts the holiness to which believers are called.
The warning in [[Romans 2:22]] serves as a powerful reminder that true faith demands internal consistency and genuine reverence for God in all aspects of life, not merely outward adherence to religious practices or condemnation of others' sins.
### Summary
The Greek word G2416 (hierosyléō) fundamentally means "to plunder sacred things" or "to commit sacrilege," stemming from its etymological roots in "sacred" and "to rob." While it literally refers to temple robbery, its single New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 2:22]] points to a broader, more figurative meaning. In this context, Paul uses the term to expose the hypocrisy of those who abhor idolatry yet are guilty of dishonoring God through their inconsistent actions, potentially involving the misuse of sacred resources, the profanation of God's name, or a general irreverence for divine things. The word is closely related to G2417 (hierosylos), "a temple-robber." Theologically, hierosyléō underscores the gravity of violating God's holiness and the seriousness of spiritual hypocrisy. For contemporary believers, it serves as a potent reminder that genuine faith requires not only condemning external evils but also maintaining internal integrity and profound reverence for God, recognizing that our lives and bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
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