θρησκεία (G2356) — Greek Lexicon

θρησκεία

thrēskeía

G2356 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Ritual practice or expression of devotion, particularly with reference to outward observances, ceremonies, or cultic acts. In different contexts, it denotes formal religious activity, the practice or demonstration of piety, or ritual observance, often emphasizing visible actions rather than inward disposition. It may carry a neutral, negative, or positive evaluation depending on the speaker's intent and context.

Semantic Range

ritual observance, ceremonial worship, outward demonstration of piety, religious practice, cultic service

Root / Etymology

From θρησκός (thrēskos, meaning 'devout, observant'), itself of uncertain etymology but apparently related to religious observance or worship; possibly related to θρῆνος (threnos, 'lament, dirge') or other terms denoting ritual performance, but the exact derivation is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, θρησκεία is rare and generally refers to ritual worship or religious service, usually in a neutral or positive sense. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, it tends to emphasize external expressions of religious observance, often in distinction from internal faith or ethical conduct. Notably, in the New Testament (e.g., James 1:26-27), θρησκεία describes an idealized practice of piety or devotion that is acceptable to God, with an emphasis on acts reflecting genuine concern for others as opposed to rote or empty ritual. The term does not refer to "religion" in the abstract, denominational sense familiar in later Western contexts, but rather to acts or forms of ritual worship. In English Bible translations, "religion" is often used but can be misleading due to later semantic shifts; "ritual observance" or "outward piety" better capture the original nuance. The term contrasts with ἐυσέβεια (eusebeia), which emphasizes true reverence and piety that blends inner disposition with outward act.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of θρησκός; ceremonial observance:--religion, worshipping.

Root Family

θρησκεία (thrēskeia) — ritual practice, cultic worship, outward religious observance

Root θρησκ- ritual practice, cultic worship, outward religious observance

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2356-01`	θρησκείᾳ	threskeia	`N DAT F SG`	religion	in ritual observance	ritual observance	3
`G2356-02`	θρησκείας	threskeias	`N GEN F SG`	religion	of ritual observance	religion	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2356-02`	Acts 26:5	θρησκείας	threskeias	`N GEN F SG`	religion	of ritual observance	religion
`G2356-01`	Colossians 2:18	θρησκείᾳ	threskeia	`N DAT F SG`	worship	in ritual observance	ritual observance
`G2356-01`	James 1:26	θρησκεία	threskeia	`N NOM F SG`	religion	in ritual observance	ritual observance
`G2356-01`	James 1:27	θρησκεία	threskeia	`N NOM F SG`	religion	in ritual observance	ritual observance

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