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G3485 · Greek · New Testament
ναός
naos
Noun, masculine
temple, sanctuary, inner shrine

Definition

The inner temple, the sanctuary — the dwelling place of God. Distinguished from hieron (the entire temple complex), naos specifically means the sacred inner chamber where God's presence dwells. The NT applies it to Christ's body, the believer, and the church.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus declared, 'Destroy this temple [naos], and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19) — speaking of His body. Paul tells believers, 'You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you' (1 Corinthians 3:16). The physical temple was destroyed in AD 70, but God's dwelling shifted from a building to a people. In Revelation's new Jerusalem, there is no naos — because God Himself is the temple (21:22).

Key Bible Verses

John 2:19 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 6:19 Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 21:22 I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Ephesians 2:21 The whole structure grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Related Words

External Resources

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