Description and usage
The pagan temple was a sanctuary that housed an idol. It would be at least the size of a house or perhaps much larger.
Translation
It is not always clear in the references listed above if the Hebrew word miqdash refers to non-Israelite places of worship or to the Jewish Temple; for example, in EZK 21:7 some translations have “sanctuaries” (RSV, NJPSV), while others say “Temple” (GECL) or “sanctuary” (NIV, REB), indicating the Jewish Temple.
The Greek terms eidōleion and eidōlion may be rendered “building in which an idol is placed” or “large house in which an idol is worshiped.” Since “idol” is often rendered “statue of a god” (see Idols), these words may be rendered “building in which a statue of a god is worshiped.” Some cultures are familiar with small spirit houses. However, these words indicate a larger shrine, one into which the worshiper could enter. Translators should avoid the strange picture of someone going into a tiny structure.
The Greek word skēnē in ACT 7:43 does not refer to a building but a temporary structure, a “tent” (RSV, GNT). The same word is used in the next verse for the Jewish Tabernacle, although Stephen is not intending a comparison between the two.
Technically, the Greek word temenos does not refer to a building but rather to a defined sacred area in which temples or shrines might be built. Even so, in 1MA 1:47GNT renders it “temples,” while RSV and REB have “sacred precincts” and NJB says “shrines.”