The meaning of “ναός”
Understanding naós reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
shrine, temple. - a fane, shrine, temple
ναός
shrine, temple. - a fane, shrine, temple
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 26:61 | “And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” Word: ναός (naós) | |
| Luke 1:22 | “And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.” Word: ναός (naós) | |
| Acts 17:24 | “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;” Word: ναός (naós) | |
| 2 Corinthians 6:16 | “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Word: ναός (naós) | |
| 2 Thessalonians 2:4 | “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” Word: ναός (naós) |
Theological Word Study: Temple
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Temple, palace
The Hebrew heikhal (הֵיכָל) denotes God's temple or palace—the sacred dwelling place where God's presence resided. Solomon's temple was the center of Israel's worship until its destruction.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Temple, sanctuary
The Greek naos (ναός) means temple or inner sanctuary. Paul declares believers are 'the temple of the living God' (2 Corinthians 6:16), individually (1 Corinthians 6:19) and corporately as the church.