Tag Archives: ἱεροσυλέω

The Greek adjective “ἱεροσυλέω”

Limited to Rom. 2:22, the Greek adjective “hierosuleo” meant “robe temples.”  The Dictionary of New Testament Theology (2:235) suggested this “alludes to a problem frequently aired in Rab. discussion.  To what extent was it permissible to do business in pagan-temple utensils and property, although they were ritually unclean?  Under certain circumstances such dealings were allowed, if they contributed to the damaging of the pagan cult.  Paul seems to be rejecting such devious practices.”  This “verse may also allude to the practice of some Jews of removing gold and silver idols from shrines for private profit” (ibid).