θρησκός
thrēskós
G2357 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily, relating to the practice or observance of religious rites or ceremonies; showing careful attention to ritual observance. The word is used of a person who is devoted to the outward forms and practices associated with religious worship, indicating a demonstrative or ritualistic piety rather than purely inward devotion. Contextually, refers to being religious in the sense of conforming to established external religious customs and ceremonies.
Semantic Range
religious, observant of ritual, zealous for religious ceremonies, ceremonious, ritualistic, outwardly pious
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root θρησκ- (thresk-), which is related to θρησκεία (threskeia), meaning 'ritual worship' or 'cultic observance'. This in turn is connected to θρῆσκος (thrēskos), indicating one engaged in religious practices. The exact origin is uncertain but likely connected to earlier Greek terms for ritual acts or religious ceremonies; sometimes linked to the verb θροέω (throeō, 'to utter, proclaim'), but the connection is debated and not securely established.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, θρησκός and its cognates denote one who is diligent in the observance of public religious rites, especially those involving sacrifice and ceremonial purity; it does not necessarily imply deeper personal faith or inner conviction. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., James 1:26), θρησκός describes individuals who are careful in outward religious observance. The related noun θρησκεία refers to 'religion' or 'religious practice,' often emphasizing the ritualistic or cultic aspects. In English Bible translations, 'religious' is commonly used, but may obscure the word's focus on ritual and ceremony rather than general piety. There may be contrast with εὐσεβής (eusebēs, 'devout, godly'), which often refers to genuine reverence or inner devotion. In post-biblical Greek, the term continued to designate a person attached to ritual observance rather than philosophical or theological belief. According to historical Greek usage, the term can sometimes carry a neutral or even negative connotation if it implies mere formalism.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of θροέω; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:--religious.
Root Family
θρησκός (thrēskos) — to observe religious rites, to practice ritual, ceremonially devout
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2357-01 |
θρησκὸς | threskos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
religious | ritually observant man | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2357-01 |
James 1:26 | θρησκὸς | threskos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
religious | ritually observant man |