NAS Word Usage – Total: 2

1. whatever is religiously honoured, an object of worship
   1. of temples, altars, statues, idolatrous images

What Does Sebasma Mean in Greek in the Context of the Bible?

The term “Sebasma” has a vital role in understanding certain biblical texts. In Greek, “Sebasma” (σέβασμα) translates to “a thing revered” or “an object of veneration.” This word often appears in discussions about idolatry, worship, and the proper attitude toward God. By examining its meaning and usage in the Bible, we can gain insight into how early Christians viewed worship and reverence for God as well as the challenges they faced from surrounding cultures.

The Roots of Sebasma

To fully appreciate what Sebasma means, it is essential to dig into its Greek roots. The word is derived from the Greek verb “Sebomai,” which means “to revere” or “to worship.” When exploring the biblical passages featuring Sebasma, we can see that it often encapsulates not just physical objects but also attitudes of heart and mind toward God and the divine.

In the Greek Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, “Sebasma” is used to describe images or idols that people crafted, which they mistakenly revered instead of the living God. This sets a critical foundation for understanding how early biblical writers conceived of proper worship versus idolatry.

Context in the New Testament

The influence of Sebasma is particularly striking in the New Testament. Several key passages highlight the tension between true worship and idolatry.

Acts 17:16-23:

In this section, the Apostle Paul observes that the people of Athens worship many gods. He talks about an altar inscribed “To an unknown god.” Here, Paul uses Sebasma to point out how the Athenians have misplaced their reverence. This shows a misunderstanding of the true nature of God and highlights the importance of worshiping only Him.

1 Corinthians 10:14-22:

Another important mention occurs in this letter, where Paul advises the Corinthians to “flee from idolatry.” He contrasts the sacredness of the Eucharist with the idols foods offered to idols, emphasizing that participation in idolatry is incompatible with Christian faith. Carrying the connotation of “Sebasma,” Paul urges believers to reserve their devotion solely for God.

Revelation 13:14-15:

In this passage, there’s a forewarning against the worship of the beast, a powerful symbol of idolatry in the Christian tradition. Here, Sebasma conveys the idea of an object of reverence that leads believers astray from their true faith. The contrast between worship of God and worship of such false idols is paramount.

The Significance of Worship in Sebasma

Sebasma carries weight regarding what it means to worship appropriately. The nuances within Greek culture during biblical times often led to a misunderstanding of what true reverence looks like. Many believed that creating physical representations of divine beings could bring them closer to the gods. Herein lies the challenge present in the biblical texts—the tension between honoring God genuinely and the temptation to engage in idolatry.

Idolatry vs. True Worship

Understanding the dual meanings of Sebasma allows us to see how biblical authors condemned idolatry while promoting true worship. For instance, the Israelites repeatedly struggled with idolatry by creating golden calves and other images, which deeply offended God. Such actions highlight the dangers of placing reverence on physical creations rather than the Creator.

Modern Implications

How does the concept of Sebasma apply today? In contemporary Christianity, Sebasma encourages believers to assess their priorities. It poses a question: Are there things in our lives that we hold with excessive reverence? This could be material possessions, achievements, or even relationships that take precedence over God.

Conclusion

Understanding what Sebasma means in Greek within the context of the Bible serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of true worship. By studying its intricacies, we can better navigate the challenges of maintaining genuine faith in a world filled with distractions and allurements that echo the ancient struggles of Biblical times.

As we explore our own lives and what we revere, may we remember the biblical instruction to keep our worship solely focused on God.

Common Questions Related to What Does Sebasma Mean In Greek In Context Of The Bible

Q. What is the literal translation of the Greek word Sebasma?
A. Sebasma literally translates to “a thing revered” or “an object of veneration” in English.

Q. Where does Sebasma appear in the New Testament?
A. It appears in passages like Acts 17:16-23, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, and Revelation 13:14-15.

Q. How does Sebasma relate to the concept of idolatry?
A. Sebasma often refers to objects or idols that people mistakenly revere instead of worshiping the true God, which is condemned in scripture.

Q. Why is understanding Sebasma important in the context of the Bible?
A. Understanding Sebasma helps clarify the biblical distinction between true worship and idolatry, guiding believers in their worship practices.

Q. In which biblical context is Sebasma used to discuss worship?
A. It is used mainly in discussions about the importance of worshiping God alone and avoiding the worship of idols.

Q. What does the Greek verb “Sebomai” mean?
A. “Sebomai” means “to revere” or “to worship,” forming the root of the noun Sebasma.

Q. How can Sebasma be applied to modern-day life?
A. Sebasma encourages individuals to evaluate what receives their ultimate reverence, ensuring it is God and not material items or concepts.

Q. Which biblical figures talked about Sebasma?
A. The Apostle Paul discusses Sebasma in his letters and speeches, particularly in relation to idolatry.

Q. What cultural issues surrounded the concept of Sebasma in ancient Greece?
A. Ancient Greeks often created physical idols and images for their gods, leading to misunderstandings about true reverence.

Q. How does Sebasma inform our understanding of worship today?
A. It serves as a reminder to maintain our focus on God and assess whether we might be placing undue reverence on anything else.