ἀλίσγημα

pollution, perhaps a polluted thing

Definition

ἀλίσγημα refers to a state of pollution or defilement, specifically something that has been made ritually or morally unclean. In the New Testament, it denotes contamination, particularly through contact with idolatrous practices. The term is used in Acts 15:20 in the context of the Apostolic Decree, where it describes things polluted by idols—likely referring to meat sacrificed to idols. This pollution was both a ceremonial and moral concern for early Jewish Christians, as it involved participation in pagan worship systems. The word emphasizes a tangible or spiritual stain that separates one from proper worship of God.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 15:20, where the Jerusalem council instructs Gentile believers to abstain from 'things polluted by idols' (τῶν ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων). It is used in a specific ethical and ritual context, addressing how Gentile converts should avoid practices associated with idolatry to maintain fellowship with Jewish Christians and uphold moral purity. The usage highlights early church concerns about navigating cultural and religious boundaries.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀλισγέω (alisgeō), meaning 'to pollute' or 'defile,' which itself may come from a root implying staining or soiling. The prefix ἀ- can be intensive, though here it's part of the root formation. Cognates include ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos, G169) meaning 'unclean,' showing a semantic field related to impurity. The term evolved to convey both physical and spiritual contamination, especially in religious contexts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of holiness, separation from idolatry, and Christian ethics. In Acts 15:20, it underscores the early church's effort to define boundaries for Gentile believers without imposing the full Mosaic Law, emphasizing purity in worship and community unity. Understanding ἀλίσγημα enriches reading by highlighting the serious view of idolatry as a defiling force that compromises one's relationship with God, reflecting broader biblical calls to avoid spiritual pollution (e.g., 2 Corinthians 6:17).

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, meat was often sacrificed to idols in temples and then sold in markets, creating a dilemma for Christians: eating such meat could imply participation in idol worship. ἀλίσγημα captures this cultural tension, where pollution was not just a physical state but a social and religious one, tied to loyalty to God versus pagan systems. Modern readers might overlook the weight of this term, as idolatry today is less overt, but in antiquity, avoiding 'polluted things' was a clear marker of religious identity.

μίασμα (miasma, G3392) — emphasizes moral stain or corruption, often with a stronger sense of guilt; ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia, G167) — broader term for uncleanness, including sexual immorality and impurity; βδέλυγμα (bdelugma, G946) — denotes something abominable or detestable, especially in idolatrous contexts.

Word Details

Scripture References