A Greek fertility goddess associated with Ephesus.
About Artemis
The Greek goddess of the moon, wild animals, and hunting. The cult of Artemis at Ephesus, where she is known as Diana by the Romans (Acts 19:23–41), regarded her especially as a fertility goddess.
See also Diana.
Key References
It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen.
All Scripture References (5)
Acts (5)
It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen.
There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world.”
When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?