Brief Overview of ἐπιλέγω (Strong’s G1951: epilégō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for diving deeper into Biblical texts and interpreting them within their original context. The Greek word ἐπιλέγω (epilégō), Strong’s G1951, holds particular significance as it relates to the concepts of selection, choice, and speaking upon. This word provides insight into the nature of decisions and selections in both divine and human contexts in the New Testament. Additionally, understanding its use in ancient Greek culture can enhance our appreciation of its depth and varied meanings in different contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιλέγω (epilégō) [eh-pee-LEH-go]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and λέγω (legō, “to say” or “to speak”), meaning “to choose,” “to select,” or “to speak over.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in both active and middle voice forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To choose or select something or someone, often with a sense of care or deliberation.
• To designate or appoint by speaking or calling upon someone.
• To say or speak something upon or over; to declare or proclaim.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) [eh-KLEH-go-my], meaning “to choose” or “to elect,” often with a focus on the idea of divine selection, and προορίζω (proorízō) [pro-o-REE-zoh], meaning “to predestine” or “to determine beforehand.” While ἐπιλέγω emphasizes the act of choosing or calling upon, ἐκλέγομαι carries a stronger sense of divine election, and προορίζω involves a predetermined decision or destiny.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιλέγω is versatile in its usage, appearing in both active and middle voice forms. In its active voice, it emphasizes the act of choosing or designating someone or something. In the middle voice, it often implies a more personal or reflexive choice or selection, where the chooser is involved in the benefit of the action. This middle voice nuance adds depth to passages where choice or decision-making is central to the narrative or teaching.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπιλέγω as “to choose” or “to select,” particularly when speaking about making decisions with a specific intent or purpose. It also notes the use of the word in contexts of declaring or naming someone.
• Thayers: Provides meanings such as “to choose” or “to call upon,” emphasizing the action of selecting or appointing someone for a specific purpose or role.
• Vines: Explains that ἐπιλέγω is often used in contexts where the speaker is making a specific choice or designation, either verbally or by a symbolic act, such as laying on of hands.
• LSJ: Notes that in classical Greek literature, ἐπιλέγω means “to choose,” “to designate,” or “to declare,” with an emphasis on the spoken aspect of choosing or calling upon.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐπιλέγω as “to choose” or “to select,” often in the context of making a conscious, deliberate choice or decision.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 15:22: “Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose (ἐπιλέξαντας) men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.”
• Acts 6:5: “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose (ἐπελέξαντο) Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…”
• 2 Corinthians 8:19: “And not only that, but he has been appointed (ἐπιλεγόμενος) by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.”

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Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιλέγω (G1951)

The Greek word ἐπιλέγω (epilégō) is a verb meaning “to choose,” “to select,” “to call upon,” or “to declare.” This word appears in both Biblical and classical Greek texts, conveying a sense of deliberate decision-making, whether human or divine. In the New Testament, it is often used in contexts of selecting or appointing leaders, emphasizing the importance of intentional choices in spiritual and communal life. In classical Greek literature, it is found in contexts of leadership, governance, and moral philosophy, where the act of choosing is often tied to wisdom, virtue, or divine favor.

Did You Know?

The Greek word ἐπιλέγω (epilégō) is related to the word λέγω (legō), which means “to speak” or “to say.” This connection underscores the significance of speaking when making choices or decisions in ancient Greek culture. Choosing often involved not just internal deliberation but also public declaration or proclamation, reflecting the weight and responsibility of one’s words in shaping communities and societies.