### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3485}}` (ναός, *naos*) fundamentally denotes the inner sanctuary of a temple, specifically the dwelling place of the deity. Derived from a primary root meaning "to dwell," naos emphasizes the presence and habitation of the divine. In classical Greek, it referred to the cult image and the cella (inner chamber) of a pagan temple. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is used to describe the sacred inner precincts of the Jerusalem Temple, encompassing the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God was uniquely manifested. This distinguishes it significantly from `{{G2411}}` (*hieron*), which refers to the entire temple complex, including its outer courts, porticos, and surrounding structures. While hieron denotes the broader sacred area, naos points to the very heart of worship and divine indwelling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term naos appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily in reference to the Jerusalem Temple and its profound theological implications.
* **The Jerusalem Temple:** Jesus often interacted with the naos, particularly during His cleansing of the temple, where He declared, "My house shall be called a house of prayer" ([[Matthew 21:13]], [[Mark 11:17]], [[Luke 19:46]]). The most dramatic occurrence is the tearing of the veil of the naos from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death ([[Matthew 27:51]], [[Mark 15:38]], [[Luke 23:45]]). This pivotal event symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, signifying direct access to the divine presence through Christ's sacrifice, thus rendering the physical naos obsolete as the exclusive locus of God's dwelling.
* **Jesus' Body as the Temple:** A profound redefinition of naos occurs in [[John 2:19-21]], where Jesus declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The evangelist clarifies that "He was speaking about the temple of His body." This statement foreshadows His death and resurrection, establishing His resurrected body as the new and ultimate naos, the true dwelling place of God.
* **Believers as the Temple:** The apostle Paul extends this metaphor further, asserting that individual believers and the collective body of believers are the naos of God. In [[1 Corinthians 3:16-17]], he asks, "Do you not know that you are God's temple [naos] and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" He reiterates this in [[1 Corinthians 6:19]], "Or do you not know that your body is a temple [naos] of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" and in [[2 Corinthians 6:16]], "For we are the temple [naos] of the living God." This signifies a radical shift from a physical structure to the spiritual indwelling of God's Spirit within His people.
* **The Heavenly Temple:** In the book of Revelation, naos frequently refers to the heavenly temple, from which divine judgments and worship emanate ([[Revelation 3:12]], [[Revelation 7:15]], [[Revelation 11:1]], [[Revelation 11:19]], [[Revelation 14:15]], [[Revelation 15:5-8]], [[Revelation 16:1]], [[Revelation 16:17]]). Significantly, in the description of the New Jerusalem, John states, "I saw no temple [naos] in the city, for its temple [naos] is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb" ([[Revelation 21:22]]). This ultimate vision portrays a direct, unmediated presence of God, rendering any created sanctuary unnecessary.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2411}}` (hieron):** As noted, hieron refers to the entire temple complex, including outer courts, while naos specifies the inner sanctuary. This distinction is crucial for accurate interpretation of New Testament texts.
* **`{{H1004}}` (bayith):** The Hebrew word for "house," often used in the Old Testament to refer to the Temple, as in "the house of the LORD." This concept of God's "house" directly relates to the idea of naos as His dwelling.
* **`{{H4908}}` (mishkan):** The Hebrew word for "tabernacle," the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel. This prefigures the concept of God dwelling among His people, later fulfilled in Christ and the Church.
* **Shekinah:** Though not a biblical word, this rabbinic term describes the visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with the Tabernacle and Temple, reinforcing the idea of naos as the locus of divine glory.
* **Holy Place/Holy of Holies:** These specific areas within the physical naos underscore its sacredness and restricted access, which was radically altered by Christ.
* **Indwelling:** The theological concept of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers, directly linked to the New Testament's redefinition of naos.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of naos is profound and transformative, tracing a trajectory from a physical structure to a spiritual reality.
1. **Divine Presence:** At its core, naos signifies the dwelling place of God. In the Old Testament, it was the unique locus of His presence on earth, where humanity could approach Him through prescribed rituals and sacrifices.
2. **Christ as the New Temple:** Jesus' declaration that His body is the naos fundamentally reorients the understanding of God's dwelling. God's ultimate presence is no longer confined to a building but is fully embodied in Christ. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Christ becomes the new and perfect meeting place between God and humanity.
3. **The Church as God's Dwelling:** The extension of the naos metaphor to believers signifies a radical democratizing of God's presence. No longer limited to a select priesthood or a specific location, God's Spirit now indwells all who believe in Christ. This imbues believers with immense dignity and responsibility as living sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit, called to holiness and purity.
4. **Direct Access to God:** The tearing of the temple veil at the crucifixion is a dramatic visual testament to the new covenant reality. It symbolizes that the way into God's presence, once restricted and mediated, is now open and direct through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The physical naos is superseded by Christ's sacrifice, establishing a "new and living way" ([[Hebrews 10:20]]) into the Holy of Holies.
5. **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The vision in Revelation of the New Jerusalem having "no temple [naos], for its temple [naos] is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb," points to the ultimate state of unmediated communion with God. In the consummation of all things, God's presence will be so pervasive and direct that no separate structure will be needed to contain or signify it. This signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3485}}` (ναός, *naos*) denotes the inner sanctuary of a temple, the specific dwelling place of a deity. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the sacred inner precincts of the Jerusalem Temple, emphasizing God's unique presence. Its theological significance undergoes a profound transformation: from a physical structure, naos is redefined by Jesus as His own body, signifying God's ultimate dwelling in Christ. This concept is further extended to include individual believers and the collective Church as the naos of the Holy Spirit, highlighting God's indwelling presence among His people. The tearing of the temple veil at the crucifixion symbolizes the new era of direct access to God through Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, the book of Revelation portrays an eschatological naos where God and the Lamb themselves constitute the temple, signifying perfect and unmediated communion in the new creation. The word naos thus traces the journey of God's presence from a confined space to an all-encompassing spiritual reality.
TRV