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G1356 · Greek · New Testament
διοπετής
Diopetes
Adjective
Fallen from Zeus/heaven; heaven-sent

Definition

The Greek adjective diopetes means 'fallen from Zeus' or 'fallen from heaven' — used of sacred objects believed to have descended from the sky, particularly the image of Artemis at Ephesus.

Usage & Theological Significance

Diopetes appears in Acts 19:35, where the city clerk of Ephesus calms the riotous crowd by appealing to Ephesus as the guardian of the temple of Artemis and the image that fell from heaven. The term reveals the contrast between pagan claims of divine origin for their idols and the true Incarnation — Jesus Christ, who actually did come from heaven (John 3:13; 6:38). While Ephesus guarded a stone image of supposed heavenly origin, Paul proclaimed the One who truly descended from the Father and ascended back to the right hand of God.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 19:35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: 'Fellow Ephesians, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?'
John 3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven — the Son of Man.
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
Acts 19:27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited.
Isaiah 46:7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save them from their troubles.

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