σέβασμα

an object of worship

Definition

σέβασμα refers to an object of worship or veneration, specifically something that is revered as divine or sacred. In Acts 17:23, it describes an altar in Athens dedicated 'to an unknown god,' indicating a physical object of pagan devotion. In 2 Thessalonians 2:4, it is used metaphorically for the 'object of worship' that the 'man of lawlessness' sets up in the temple, claiming divine status for himself. Thus, the word can denote either a tangible idol or an abstract focus of religious adoration, often with a negative connotation toward false worship.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts contrasting true and false worship. In Acts 17:23, Paul uses it neutrally to refer to a pagan altar, leveraging it as a point of contact for preaching the gospel. In 2 Thessalonians 2:4, it is used eschatologically to describe the ultimate blasphemy of the antichrist figure who exalts himself as God. The usage highlights idolatrous or illegitimate objects of devotion.

Etymology

Derived from the verb σέβομαι (sebomai, G4576), meaning 'to worship, revere, or hold in awe.' The suffix -μα (-ma) forms a noun indicating the result or object of the action, so σέβασμα literally means 'that which is worshiped.' Cognates include σεβάζομαι (sebazomai, G4573), 'to honor religiously,' and εὐσεβής (eusebēs, G2152), 'pious.'

Semantic Range

σέβασμα is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical theme of exclusive worship due to the one true God. It exposes the emptiness of idolatry, whether physical (Acts 17:23) or personal (2 Thessalonians 2:4), and contrasts with legitimate worship (λατρεία, latreia, G2999). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying the nature of false worship and the seriousness of giving divine honor to anything or anyone other than God.

In the Greco-Roman world, σέβασμα would have been readily understood as any object or entity receiving religious veneration, from statues of gods to deified emperors. The Athenian context in Acts 17 reflects a polytheistic culture eager to honor all potential deities, even unknown ones. This contrasts sharply with the Jewish and Christian insistence that God alone is worthy of worship.

εἴδωλον (eidōlon, G1497) — specifically a physical idol or image; λατρεία (latreia, G2999) — the act or service of worship itself, not the object; προσκύνησις (proskynēsis, G4352) — the act of bowing down or reverencing.

Word Details

Scripture References