ἱερόν (hieros)

hieros

temple

G2411 · Greek · New Testament · 68 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 68 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun hieron refers to a sacred place, specifically the entire precincts or outer courts of a temple rather than the inner sanctuary itself. In the New Testament, it most frequently denotes the Temple complex in Jerusalem, appearing prominently in the Gospels and Acts (Matthew 21:12; Acts 3:1). This distinction is important because the Greek word naos describes the holy building proper where the deity’s presence was believed to dwell, whereas hieron encompasses the wider area of worship and activity.

This term also appears outside of Jewish contexts, such as when Paul notes the impact of his preaching on the reputation of the temple of Artemis in Ephesus (Acts 19:27). The usage highlights that hieron signifies a consecrated space set apart for religious rites. By focusing on the broader grounds, the word captures the bustling, public nature of the Jerusalem Temple, where Jesus taught and cleansed, rather than just the secluded Holy of Holies.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hieron points to the entire Temple complex in Jerusalem, not just the inner sanctuary. This was a vast area filled with merchants, traders, and worshippers from every nation. When Jesus walked through these courts, He entered a place of intense public life and religious duty. It reminds us that God is interested in our daily activities and social interactions, not just private moments of silence.

Jesus’ actions in the Temple reveal His heart for purity and accessibility. He cleared out those who turned worship into a business, yet He welcomed the marginalized who came to Him there. This shows that sacred spaces should be open to all who seek God with honest hearts. We can find similar openness in our own communities when we prioritize love over rigid rules.

Today, this word invites us to consider where we meet God. It is not only in quiet retreats but also in the busy places of life. By keeping our focus on Christ, who is greater than any building, we can find peace and purpose wherever we are. May your heart become a place where others feel welcome to encounter the divine.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 68 verses where it appears, by frequency.

temple55×
temple,9×
temple;4×
temple.2×
temple;.1×
sacred1×

Forms in the text

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

ἱερῷ25×
ἱερὸν17×
ἱεροῦ14×
ἱερῷ,5×
ἱερῷ·2×
ἱεροῦ,2×
ἱερόν·1×
ἱερόν.1×
ἱερόν,1×
ἱερὸν,1×
ἱεροῦ·1×
ἱεροῦ.¶1×

Key Verses

Matthew 21:12
Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.

This verse captures Jesus cleansing the Temple courts, showing His zeal for pure worship in the public space.
Matthew 12:6
But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

Here Jesus declares Himself greater than the Temple, shifting focus from the building to His own person.
Luke 2:46
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Young Jesus is found in the Temple courts, engaging with teachers and showing early signs of His unique relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hieron mean in the New Testament?

Hieron refers to the entire Temple complex in Jerusalem, including the outer courts and grounds. It is distinct from naos, which describes the inner sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell. This term highlights the public and bustling nature of worship in first-century Judaism.

How is hieron different from naos?

Hieron denotes the whole Temple precincts, while naos specifies the holy building itself. Jesus often taught and acted in the hieron, addressing the public sphere of religion. Understanding this difference helps clarify why He focused on the outer courts during His ministry.

Why is the Temple important in the Gospels?

The Temple was the center of Jewish religious life and a frequent setting for Jesus' teachings. It served as a backdrop for key events like the cleansing of the Temple and His final days in Jerusalem. These occurrences show how Jesus engaged with existing religious structures to reveal deeper truths.

Every Occurrence (68 verses across 6 books)

Matthew 9 verses

Matthew 4:5

Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

Matthew 12:5

Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?

Matthew 12:6

But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

Matthew 21:12

Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…

Matthew 21:14

The lame and the blind came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

Matthew 21:15

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children who were crying in…

Matthew 21:23

When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…

Matthew 24:1

Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the…

Matthew 26:55

In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…

Mark 9 verses

Luke 14 verses

John 11 verses

Acts 24 verses

I Corinthians 1 verse