### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ártemis**, represented by `{{G735}}`, is the name for Diana, a Grecian goddess. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. All of its occurrences are found in the book of Acts and relate to the worship of this deity in the city of Ephesus, where she was a central figure in the local culture and economy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G735}}` is at the center of a riot in Ephesus. A silversmith `{{G695}}` named Demetrius, who made silver `{{G693}}` shrines `{{G3485}}` for **Diana**, recognized that the spread of the gospel threatened his craft `{{G2039}}` [[Acts 19:24]]. He incited other craftsmen by warning that the temple `{{G2411}}` of the great goddess `{{G2299}}` **Diana** would be despised and her magnificence `{{G3168}}` destroyed [[Acts 19:27]]. Enraged, the crowd began to cry out `{{G2896}}`, "Great `{{G3173}}` is **Diana** of the Ephesians" [[Acts 19:28]]. This chant continued for about two hours [[Acts 19:34]] until the townclerk appeased `{{G2687}}` the people, affirming their city's role as a worshipper `{{G3511}}` of **Diana** [[Acts 19:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the worship of Diana and the ensuing conflict:
* `{{G2299}}` **theá** (goddess): This term is used repeatedly to describe Diana's perceived divine status by her followers. The Ephesians were devoted to the "great **goddess** Diana" [[Acts 19:27]].
* `{{G2039}}` **ergasía** (gain, craft): This word reveals the economic motivation behind the uproar. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen derived significant **gain** from making idols of Diana [[Acts 19:24]].
* `{{G3485}}` **naós** (shrine, temple): The silversmiths created silver **shrines** for Diana, which were central to her worship and their business [[Acts 19:24]]. Believers are later identified as the **temple** of the living God, in stark contrast [[2 Corinthians 6:16]].
* `{{G4576}}` **sébomai** (to revere, i.e. adore): This describes the action of the people toward the goddess. Demetrius claimed that all of Asia and the world **worshipped** her [[Acts 19:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G735}}` is seen in its role as a focal point for idolatry and its conflict with Christianity.
* **Idolatry and Economics:** The account demonstrates how the worship of **Diana** was deeply intertwined with the local economy. The opposition to the gospel was explicitly tied to the threat of financial loss for those whose craft `{{G2039}}` depended on idolatry [[Acts 19:25]].
* **Civic Identity:** The worship of **Diana** was a matter of civic pride and identity for Ephesus. The townclerk calms the crowd by reminding them of their city's official status as a "worshipper" `{{G3511}}` of the goddess [[Acts 19:35]].
* **The Gospel's Power to Disrupt:** The story shows the power of the gospel to challenge and expose established systems of false worship. Paul's ministry was so effective that it threatened to bring to nought `{{G557}}` a trade built around **Diana** and see her magnificence `{{G3168}}` destroyed `{{G2507}}` [[Acts 19:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G735}}` is not a term with broad theological application but is instead a specific historical and cultural marker. Its use in Acts 19 provides a powerful case study of the clash between the early church and a deeply entrenched pagan religion. The account illustrates how the advancement of the gospel can disrupt not only spiritual beliefs but also the economic and social structures built upon them.
TRV