Strong's Lexicon deisidaimonia: Superstition, religious fear Original Word: δεισιδαιμονία Word Origin: From δεισιδαίμων (deisidaimōn), which is a compound of δειδω (deidō, "to fear") and δαίμων (daimōn, "a deity or spirit"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "deisidaimonia," the concept of superstitious fear can be related to terms like יִרְאָה (yirah, "fear" or "reverence") when it is misapplied or misunderstood. Usage: The term "deisidaimonia" refers to a reverence or fear of the divine, often implying a superstitious or excessive religious fear. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a form of religious observance that is more about fear and ritual than true faith and understanding. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "deisidaimonia" was often associated with the worship of various gods and spirits, reflecting a culture that was deeply religious yet often superstitious. The term could carry a negative connotation, suggesting an irrational or excessive fear of the divine, which was common in pagan practices. This contrasts with the biblical call to worship God in spirit and truth, emphasizing a relationship based on love and understanding rather than fear. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1175 deisidaimonía (akin to 1174 /deisidaimonésteros, see there) – properly, dread of a pagan deity "inspiring" a "token show of respect" (religious gesture) – especially religious-superstition (Souter); a "respect of the divine" which is only driven by the dread of a deity. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom same as deisidaimonesteros Definition a religion, superstition NASB Translation religion (1), very religious (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1175: δεισιδαιμονίαδεισιδαιμονία, δεισιδαιμονίας, ἡ (δεισιδαίμων), fear of the gods; 1. in a good sense, reverence for the gods, piety, religion: Polybius 6, 56, 7; Josephus, Antiquities 10, 3, 2; καί θεοφιλής βίος, Diodorus 1, 70. 2. equivalent to ἡ δειλία πρός τό δαιμόνιον (Theophrastus, char. 16 (22) at the beginning (cf. Jebb, p. 263f)); superstition: (Polybius 12, 24, 5); Plutarch (Sol. 12, 4); Alex. 75, 1; de adulat. et am. 25, and in his Essay περί τῆς δεισιδαιμονίας; Antoninus 6, 30 θεοσεβής χωρίς δεισιδαιμονίας. 3. religion, in an objective sense; in which sense Josephus, Antiquities 19, 5, 3, says Claudius commanded the Jews μή τάς τῶν ἄλλων ἐθνῶν δεισιδαιμονίας ἐξουδενίζειν. Festus in the presence of Agrippa the Jewish king employs the word ambiguously and cautiously, in Acts 25:19, of the Jewish religion, viz. so as to leave his own judgment concerning its truth in suspense. Cf. Zezschwitz, Profangräcität u. Biblical Sprachgeist, p. 59; (K. F. Hermann, Lehrb. d. gottesdienstl. Alterthümer, § 8 note 6; Trench, § xlviii.; (cf. Kenrick, Biblical Essays, 1864, p. 108ff; Field, Otium Norv. iii., p. 80f)). From the same as deisidaimonesteros; religion -- superstition. see GREEK deisidaimonesteros |
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