Strong's Lexicon ethelothréskia: Self-imposed religion, will-worship Original Word: ἐθελοθρησκεία Word Origin: From the Greek words ἐθέλω (ethelō, meaning "to will" or "to wish") and θρησκεία (thrēskeia, meaning "worship" or "religion"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "ethelothréskia," the concept can be related to Hebrew terms that describe false or idolatrous worship, such as עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה (avodah zarah), meaning "foreign worship" or "idolatry." Usage: The term "ethelothréskia" refers to a form of worship or religious practice that is self-imposed or self-devised, rather than being based on divine instruction or revelation. It implies a kind of worship that is rooted in human will and preference rather than in obedience to God's commands. This term is used to describe religious practices that may appear pious or devout but lack true spiritual value because they are not grounded in God's truth. Cultural and Historical Background: In the context of the early Christian church, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, there were numerous religious practices and philosophies that competed with the teachings of Christianity. Some of these practices were syncretistic, blending elements of different religions and philosophies. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often warned against such practices, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ and the need to adhere to the gospel as revealed by God. "Ethelothréskia" would have been understood as a warning against adopting religious practices that were not rooted in the apostolic teaching. HELPS Word-studies 1479 ethelothrēskeía (from 2309 /thélō, "desire" and 2356 /thrēskeía, "religion") – properly, self-willed religion, defined by the desires of the human will – which amounts to nothing! This form of "worship," which is accomplished "by self" (Souter), is merely a "will-worship," exalting the worshiper at God's expense (used only in Col 2:23). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an older form of theló and thréskeia Definition self-willed (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety NASB Translation self-made religion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1479: ἐθελοθρησκείαἐθελοθρησκεία (T WH ἐθελοθρησκία, see Iota), ἐθελοθρησκειας, ἡ (from ἐθέλω and θρησκεία, which see (cf. Winers Grammar, 100 (95))), voluntary, arbitrary worship, (Vulg.superstitio) (A. V. will-worship), i. e. worship which one devises and prescribes for himself, contrary to the contents and nature of the faith which ought to be directed to Christ; said of the misdirected zeal and practices of ascetics: Colossians 2:23; Suidas ἐθελοθρησκει. ἰδίῳ θελήματι σεβει τό δοκοῦν. Cf. ἐθελόδουλος, ἐθελοδουλεία, ἐθελοπρόξενος, one who acts the part of aproxenus without having been appointed to the office, etc. The explanation of others: simulated, counterfeit religion (cf. in Greek lexicons, ἐθελοφιλοσοφος, ἐθελοκωφος, etc.), does not square so well with the context. (The word is found besides in Mansi, Collect. Concil. vol. iv., p. 1380, and in Theodoret, vol. iv., epistle clxi., p. (1460 b., Migne edition) 1831, Halle edition; (Eusebius, h. e. 6, 12, 1; Jerome, epistle 121, vol. 1,1031, Migne edition). Epiphanius haer. 1, 16 (i., p. 318, 3rd edition, Dindorf) attributes ἐθελοπερισσοθρησκεια to the Pharisees.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance voluntary worship. From ethelo and threskeia; voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. Sanctimony -- will worship. see GREEK ethelo see GREEK threskeia Forms and Transliterations εθελοθρησκεία εθελοθρησκια ἐθελοθρησκίᾳ εθισμόν ethelothreskia ethelothrēskia ethelothreskíāi ethelothrēskíāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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