"a goddess, Acts 19:27*"
Definition and meaning
a goddess, Acts 19:27*
In the original Greek the word is written: θεά
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of thea (G2299) across the King James Bible.
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G2299 (thea) is a Greek word that means: a goddess, Acts 19:27* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word thea (G2299) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2299 is thea, a Greek word defined as: a goddess, Acts 19:27*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
thea is a Greek word found in the New Testament.