Ἄρτεμις (Artemis)

Artemis

G0735 · Greek · New Testament · 5 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The name Artemis refers to a major deity worshipped in ancient Asia Minor, distinct from the Greek goddess of the hunt known in Roman tradition as Diana. Lexical sources identify this specific figure as an Asiatic goddess, often associated with fertility and widely venerated by many peoples in the region. The most prominent center for her worship was Ephesus, where a magnificent temple stood as a testament to her influence.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the narrative in Acts 19. When the silversmiths incited a riot against Paul, they were defending their trade in silver shrines dedicated to this specific Artemis of the Ephesians, not the classical Greek huntress. The text notes that her temple was so significant that its reputation drew crowds and economic activity, making any threat to it a serious concern for local artisans.

The sources highlight that this Artemis was seen as "complete light" or associated with restrained flow, reflecting her role in fertility and protection rather than wilderness hunting. Her cult persisted even after the temple was destroyed by arson and rebuilt with greater magnificence under Alexander the Great. The biblical account captures a moment where this powerful local religion clashed with the spread of early Christian teaching.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Artemis appears in Acts 19 as a symbol of powerful cultural and economic forces that stood against the early church. In Ephesus, her worship was not just a religious preference but the foundation of local commerce, with artisans like Demetrius making shrines to support their livelihoods. This context shows how deeply intertwined faith, identity, and daily work could be in the ancient world.

For believers today, this narrative offers a quiet reminder that our loyalty to Christ may sometimes challenge established systems or personal comforts. The riot described was driven by fear of losing status and income, not just theological disagreement. It invites us to consider what we might be protecting out of habit or pride rather than faith.

Ultimately, the account highlights the supremacy of God over all human idols. While the crowd shouted for Artemis, the town clerk recognized that the true story was unfolding elsewhere. This encourages trust in God’s sovereignty, even when cultural tides seem to oppose us.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Artemis4×
of Artemis,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

Ἄρτεμις2×
Ἀρτέμιδος2×
Ἀρτέμιδος,1×

Key Verses

Acts 19:24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,

This verse identifies Demetrius as a silversmith making shrines of Artemis, showing how the goddess’s worship directly supported local craftsmanship and economy.
Acts 19:27
Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”

Demetrius warns that the temple of Artemis might be despised, revealing his fear that Christian preaching would devalue both her religious status and their trade.
Acts 19:35
When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?

The town clerk acknowledges Ephesus as the temple keeper of Artemis, confirming her official civic importance and the divine origin of her image in local belief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Artemis in the New Testament?

In Acts 19, Artemis refers to a major Asiatic goddess worshipped in Ephesus, distinct from the Greek huntress. She was associated with fertility and protection, and her temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Her worship was central to Ephesian identity and commerce.

Why did Demetrius oppose Paul?

Demetrius was a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis. He feared that Paul’s preaching would discredit the goddess, causing people to stop buying his products. His opposition was driven by economic loss and concern for the temple’s reputation.

What does 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians' mean?

This phrase was a popular cry in Ephesus, acknowledging Artemis as their patron deity. It reflected both religious devotion and civic pride. The crowd used it to express solidarity against what they saw as a threat to their way of life.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Acts 5 verses

Acts 19:24

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the…

Acts 19:27

Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis…

Acts 19:28

When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

Acts 19:34

But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, “Great is…

Acts 19:35

When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that…