Strong's Lexicon neókoros: Temple keeper, temple warden Original Word: νεωκόρος Word Origin: From νέος (neos, meaning "new") and κορέω (koreo, meaning "to sweep" or "to care for") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "neókoros," as the concept is more closely associated with Greek and Roman temple practices. However, the role of temple servants or caretakers can be loosely related to the duties of the Levites in the Hebrew Bible, who were responsible for the care and service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Usage: The term "neókoros" refers to a person who serves as a caretaker or guardian of a temple. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe a city or individual that holds a special status or responsibility in relation to a temple, often involving the maintenance and ceremonial duties associated with temple worship. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, the role of a "neókoros" was significant, as temples were central to religious and civic life. Cities that were designated as "neokoros" had the honor of hosting imperial cults or important deities, which often brought prestige and economic benefits. The title indicated a close association with the temple and its rituals, reflecting the city's or individual's dedication to the deity worshiped there. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a form of naos and koreó (to sweep) Definition a temple keeper NASB Translation guardian of the temple (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3511: νεωκόροςνεωκόρος, νεωκορου, ὁ, ἡ (νεώς or ναός, and κορέω to sweep; (questioned by some; a hint of this derivation is found in Philo de sacerd. honor. § 6 (cf. νεωκορία, de somniis 2, 42), and Hesychius (under the word) defines the word ὁ τόν ναόν κόσμων. κόρειν γάρ τό σαίρειν ἔλεγον (cf. under the word σηκοκόρος; so Etym. Magn. 407, 27, cf. under the word νεωκόρος); yet Suidas under the word κόρη, p. 2157 c. says νεωκόρος οὐχ ὁ Σαρών τοῦ νεωκορου ἀλλ' ὁ ἐπιμελουμενος αὐτοῦ (cf. under the words, νεωκόρος, σηκοκόρος); hence, some connect the last half with root κορ, κολ, cf. Latincuro, colo)); 1. properly, one who sweeps and cleans a temple. 2. one who has charge of a temple, to keep and adorn it, a sacristan: Xenophon, an. 5, 3, 6; Plato, legg. 6, p. 759 a. 3. the worshipper of a deity (οὕς i. e. the Israelites ὁ Θεός ἑαυτῷ νεωκορους ἦγεν through the wilderness, Josephus, b. j. 5, 9, 4); as appears from coins still extant, it was an honorary title (temple-keeper or temple-warden (cf. 2 above)) of certain cities, especially of Asia Minor, in which the special worship of some deity or even of some deified human ruler had been established (cf. Stephanus, Thesaurus, v., p. 1472f; (cf. B. D., under the word worshipper)); so νεωκόρος ... τῆς Ἀρτέμιδος, of Ephesus, Acts 19:35; (see Lightfoot in Contemp. Rev. for 1878, p. 294f; Wood, Discoveries at Ephesus (Lond. 1877), Appendix, passim). From a form of naos and koreo (to sweep); a temple-servant, i.e. (by implication) a votary -- worshipper. see GREEK naos |
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