Temple (Hieron)
ἱερόν (hieron)
The sacred dwelling — God's house where heaven and earth intersect.
Hieron is the Greek word for temple, referring to the sacred precinct where God's presence dwells among His people. The concept evolves from physical building to Christ's body to the believer as God's temple.
"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?" — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Corinthians 6:19
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?”Read in context
John 2:19
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”Read in context
Revelation 21:22
“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2411 — Temple (Hieron) (ἱερόν (hieron))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἱερόν (hieron) appears.
Open Strong's G2411Etymology and Original Meaning
Hieron means 'sacred place' or 'temple precinct' — the entire temple complex. The related word naos refers specifically to the inner sanctuary. Both convey the idea of a space set apart for deity — where the divine and human realms intersect. The temple was the point on earth where heaven touched down, where God made His presence accessible to His people.
The Tabernacle and Temple
God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle — a portable temple — 'that I may dwell among them' (Exodus 25:8). Solomon later built the permanent temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6). The temple's architecture taught theology: the outer court was accessible to all, the Holy Place to priests, and the Holy of Holies only to the high priest once a year. Access to God was real but restricted.
Jesus as the Temple
Jesus identified His body as the true temple: 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19). He is the place where God fully dwells in human form (Colossians 2:9). At His death, the temple veil tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51) — the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Christ is the new and living way into God's presence.
Believers as the Temple
Paul makes a stunning declaration: 'Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost' (1 Corinthians 6:19). The church corporately is 'the temple of the living God' (2 Corinthians 6:16). What once required a building now lives in people. And in the New Jerusalem, there is no temple — 'for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it' (Revelation 21:22). God's presence fills everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does temple mean in the Bible?
Temple (hieron) is the sacred dwelling where God's presence meets His people. The concept evolves from physical building (tabernacle/temple) to Christ's body to the believer and church as God's living temple.
Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem?
Because God Himself is the temple (Revelation 21:22). The physical temple symbolized God's localized presence; in the new creation, His presence fills everything. The symbol is no longer needed because the reality is fully present.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Temple (Hieron)"?
1 Corinthians 6:19 — "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?" (KJV). It also appears in John 2:19, Revelation 21:22.
Why does the Greek word behind "Temple (Hieron)" matter?
Hieron means 'sacred place' or 'temple precinct' — the entire temple complex. English uses one word, "Temple (Hieron)", where the Greek ἱερόν (hieron) carries the fuller sense: the sacred dwelling — god's house where heaven and earth intersect.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Temple (ἱερόν (hieron))
God's dwelling place — the sacred house where His presence resides.
Temple (Hieron) (ἱερόν (hieron))
The sacred dwelling — God's house where heaven and earth intersect.
Strong's G2411 — Temple (Hieron)
ἱερόν (hieron) • The sacred dwelling — God's house where heaven and earth intersect.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Commentary
In-depth study • Body as Temple
Strong's H1964 — Temple (Hekal)
הֵיכָל (hekal) • The grand palace — the holy house where God's glory dwells among His people.
Biblical Meaning of Teeth Falling Out in a Dream (KJV)
Loss of strength, spoken words, and unresolved fear.
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