Bible Dictionary
Worshipper
A worshipper is one who offers religious reverence or service. In Acts 19:35, the term refers specifically to a temple attendant or keeper associated with the worship of Diana at Ephesus.
Definition
A worshipper is one who serves or attends a temple. In the supplied New Testament entry, the Greek neocoros is literally associated with a temple-sweeper or temple-keeper and is translated “worshipper” in the margin of Acts 19:35.
Biblical Usage
The term is used in Acts 19:35 in connection with Ephesus and the great goddess Diana. It denotes a person or civic body associated with the charge or worship of a temple.
Historical Background
The neocoros was originally a temple attendant entrusted with its care. The title later came to be applied to cities or communities that undertook the worship of particular emperors. The term appears on many Ephesian coins, including coins from the age of Nero.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Gr. neocoros = temple-sweeper (Acts 19:35) of the great goddess Diana). This name neocoros appears on most of the extant Ephesian coins
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a translation of the Greek word neocoros, used once only, (Acts 19:35) in the margin, “temple-keeper.” The neocoros was originally an attendant in a temple probably intrusted with its charge. The term neocoros became thus applied to cities or communities which undertook the worship of particular emperors even during their lives. The first occurrence of the term in connection with Ephesus is on coins of the age of Nero, A.D. 54-68.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>wur'-ship-er.</p><p>See TEMPLE KEEPERS; WORSHIP.</p>