ἱεροσυλέω
hierosuleō (G2416)
to despoil a temple
AI Word Study
The Greek word ἱεροσυλέω (hierosuleō) is a verb that means "to despoil a temple." This action involves taking or removing sacred or valuable items from a temple, likely with the intention of profiting from them. The semantic domain of Worship & Ritual suggests that this word is related to the sacred and the practices surrounding it. Given its definition and domain, it is notable that this word occurs only once in the Bible. This scarcity may indicate that the concept of temple desecration was not a common theme in the biblical text. The significance of this word lies in its illustration of the importance of respecting sacred spaces and the consequences of violating them.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
You who say a man shouldn’t commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?