### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σέβασμα (`{{G4574}}`, *sébasma*) derives from the verb σεβάζομαι (`{{G4573}}`), meaning "to revere, worship, venerate." Therefore, *sébasma* fundamentally denotes "that which is worshipped," "an object of veneration," or "a sacred object." Its semantic range extends to anything that elicits awe, reverence, or devotion, whether a deity, an idol, an altar, or even an abstract concept of religious practice. It encapsulates the physical or conceptual manifestation of worship, highlighting the object upon which religious devotion is focused. The term carries a neutral or even negative connotation in its biblical usage, often pointing to objects of false worship rather than the true God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σέβασμα (`{{G4574}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance providing significant contextual insight into its meaning:
1. **[[Acts 17:23]]**: In his address on Mars Hill in Athens, Paul states, "For as I passed through, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD." Here, "devotions" translates the plural form *sebasmata*. Paul is observing the numerous objects and practices of worship prevalent in the polytheistic Athenian society. These "devotions" or "objects of worship" encompass the various altars, idols, and shrines dedicated to their pantheon of gods. The context reveals Paul's keen observation of their religious fervor, even if misdirected, and provides him with a strategic entry point to proclaim the one true God whom they unknowingly sought. The term here highlights the human inclination towards worship, even when that worship is fragmented and directed towards multiple, often unknown, deities.
2. **[[2 Thessalonians 2:4]]**: Describing the "man of lawlessness" (often identified as the Antichrist), Paul writes that he "opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped [σέβασμα]; so that he, as God, sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." In this eschatological passage, *sébasma* refers to anything and everything that is revered, held sacred, or worshipped, whether legitimate or illegitimate. The man of lawlessness's ultimate act of blasphemy is to elevate himself above all such objects of veneration, demanding worship for himself. This signifies the pinnacle of idolatry and rebellion against God, where the creature usurps the Creator's rightful place, desecrating even the concept of divine worship by claiming it for himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of σέβασμα (`{{G4574}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **Root Verb**: σεβάζομαι (`{{G4573}}`, *sebázomai*) - "to revere, worship." This verb emphasizes the act of veneration from which *sébasma* derives its meaning as the object of such veneration.
* **Cognates**:
* σέβομαι (`{{G4427}}`, *sébomai*) - "to worship, show reverence." Often used in the Septuagint for the worship of God or idols.
* σεβαστός (`{{G4575}}`, *sebastós*) - "venerable, august." Used as a title for the Roman emperor (Augustus), signifying imperial majesty and worthiness of reverence.
* **True Worship**:
* εὐσέβεια (`{{G2150}}`, *eusebeia*) - "godliness, piety." This term denotes true and proper reverence towards God, often contrasted with the misdirected worship implied by *sébasma* in certain contexts.
* θεοσέβεια (`{{G2317}}`, *theosebeia*) - "godliness, piety, worship of God." Specifically emphasizes the worship directed towards God.
* **False Worship/Idolatry**:
* εἴδωλον (`{{G1497}}`, *eidōlon*) - "idol, image." A direct object of false worship.
* λατρεία (`{{G2999}}`, *latreia*) - "service, worship." While often used for true worship, it can also refer to the service rendered to false gods.
* **Conceptual Links**: Idolatry, polytheism, reverence, veneration, blasphemy, apostasy, human religiosity, eschatological rebellion. The term highlights the inherent human drive to worship, which can be either rightly directed towards the Creator or tragically misdirected towards created things or even self.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σέβασμα (`{{G4574}}`) lies in its dual revelation concerning humanity's religious nature and the ultimate rebellion against God.
Firstly, in [[Acts 17:23]], *sébasma* underscores the universal human inclination towards worship. Paul's observation of the "devotions" in Athens reveals that humanity is inherently worshipful; the question is not *if* one will worship, but *what* or *who* one will worship. This innate religiosity, though often misdirected towards "unknown gods" or idols, provides a crucial point of contact for the gospel. It highlights God's patience and the opportunity for revelation, as Paul redirects their search for the "unknown God" to the true Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Secondly, and more ominously, in [[2 Thessalonians 2:4]], *sébasma* illuminates the pinnacle of eschatological rebellion. The "man of lawlessness" exalting himself "above all that is called God or that is worshipped" signifies the ultimate usurpation of divine prerogative. This is not merely idolatry in the traditional sense of worshipping a created thing, but a profound blasphemy where a creature demands and receives worship due only to God. It portrays the absolute antithesis of true worship and serves as a stark warning against any form of self-exaltation that encroaches upon God's unique sovereignty and worthiness of adoration.
Together, these occurrences of *sébasma* delineate the spectrum of human worship: from a misguided but sincere search for the divine (Athens) to a deliberate and defiant seizure of divine honor (the man of lawlessness). They underscore the exclusivity of true worship, which must be directed solely to God, and the severe consequences of diverting that worship elsewhere.
### Summary
The Greek word σέβασμα (`{{G4574}}`, *sébasma*) precisely defines "that which is worshipped" or "an object of veneration." Its two New Testament occurrences provide crucial insights into its meaning and theological implications. In [[Acts 17:23]], the plural *sebasmata* refers to the multiple "devotions" or objects of worship in pagan Athens, illustrating humanity's innate, though often misdirected, drive to worship. This context allows Paul to bridge the gap between their "unknown god" and the revealed God of creation. Conversely, in [[2 Thessalonians 2:4]], *sébasma* describes anything held sacred that the "man of lawlessness" will elevate himself above, ultimately demanding worship for himself. This highlights the extreme blasphemy and ultimate rebellion against God, where a creature usurps divine honor. Thus, *sébasma* serves to illuminate both the universal human propensity for worship and the profound theological distinction between legitimate worship of the Creator and the various forms of idolatry and self-exaltation.
TRV