θέατρον
théatron
G2302 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A place constructed or designated for viewing public performances or spectacles, typically an open-air amphitheater used for dramatic plays, public assemblies, or contests. By extension, an event or spectacle that is observed by an audience. The word can refer both concretely to the physical venue and, figuratively, to any event or circumstance staged for public observation.
Semantic Range
theater (venue for plays or assemblies), amphitheater, place for public spectacle, a spectacle or event witnessed by an audience, something on public display
Root / Etymology
From the verb θεάομαι (to look at, to observe, to view), with the suffix -τρον indicating place. Thus, θέατρον literally means 'a place for viewing.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, θέατρον referred specifically to the theater as a physical structure where plays, performances, or public meetings took place. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, these were prominent civic spaces and sites for Greek drama, oratory, and, in Roman settings, gladiatorial contests and spectacles. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 19:29, 31), θέατρον refers concretely to the Ephesian theater, an important gathering place in the city, but the word could also be used metaphorically (1 Corinthians 4:9) to describe a situation or persons made into a public spectacle or demonstration for others to witness. English translations often gloss θέατρον as 'theater' or 'spectacle,' but these may underrepresent the cultural and civic importance of the venue for Greek and Roman societies, as well as the metaphorical sense of being put on display before a broad audience. The figurative use is attested both in Koine literary sources and in the New Testament, where it signals public exposure and observation before others, especially in contexts of shame or demonstration. Compare χορός (chorus), which refers to participants in a performance, and ἀγών, which denotes a contest or public gathering, but not usually the physical venue for viewing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θεάομαι; a place for public show ("theatre"), i.e. general audience-room; by implication, a show itself (figuratively):--spectacle, theatre.
Root Family
θέατρον (theatron) — to see, to watch, viewing place, public spectacle
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2302-01 |
θέατρον | theatron | N ACC N SG |
theater | a viewing place | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2302-01 |
Acts 19:29 | θέατρον | theatron | N ACC N SG |
theater | a viewing place |
G2302-01 |
Acts 19:31 | θέατρον | theatron | N ACC N SG |
theater | a viewing place |
G2302-01 |
1 Corinthians 4:9 | θέατρον | theatron | N NOM N SG |
spectacle | a viewing place |