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.
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.
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.
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.
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