From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordHieros describes what is sacred or belongs to religious observance.
- In StobaeusDiotima’s account places the art of sacred matters within the mediation connecting gods and humans.
- In this edition“Sacred” is broadly suitable; “holy” may carry associations unnecessary to the passage.
- A place to beginSacred practices operate through the mediating daimonic realm.
- English renderings
- sacred; holy; sacred matters
Meaning
Hieros describes what is sacred or belongs to religious observance. The substantival plural can mean sacred matters or rites.
Use in the book
Diotima’s account places the art of sacred matters within the mediation connecting gods and humans. Sacrifices, initiations, and incantations are among its activities. The adjective therefore identifies a field of practice rather than declaring that every practitioner has an identical moral or metaphysical status.
Places to read
- I.9.17.2Sacred practices operate through the mediating daimonic realm.
Translation in this edition
“Sacred” is broadly suitable; “holy” may carry associations unnecessary to the passage.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 118. The speaker’s contrast with the mere artisan expresses a hierarchy of expertise within the speech, not a neutral description of all crafts.