Brief Overview of ἐπίγειος (Strong’s G1919: epígeios)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it helps uncover the depth and nuance of the original texts. The Greek word ἐπίγειος (transliterated as “epígeios”) is particularly significant because it pertains to things that are “earthly” or “of the earth.” This adjective is important for interpreting New Testament passages that contrast the earthly with the heavenly, the physical with the spiritual, or the temporary with the eternal. Understanding ἐπίγειος helps readers discern these distinctions and gain a clearer understanding of the theological and cultural concepts embedded in the scriptures.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπίγειος (epígeios) [eh-PEE-gay-os]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “on,” and γῆ (gē), meaning “earth” or “land.” The adjective ἐπίγειος, therefore, refers to something that is “upon the earth” or “earthly.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Grammatical Details: First and second declension, typically used to describe things related to the physical world or earth in contrast to the spiritual or heavenly realm.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “Earthly”
• “Of the earth”
• “Belonging to the world”
• “Worldly”
• “Physical”

Similar Words:
The Greek word οὐράνιος (ouránios) [oo-RAH-nee-os], meaning “heavenly” or “of the heavens,” is often contrasted with ἐπίγειος. While οὐράνιος refers to things of a divine, spiritual, or celestial nature, ἐπίγειος focuses on what pertains to the earth or the material world. Another related word is φυσικός (physikós) [foo-see-KOS], meaning “natural” or “pertaining to nature,” which may also relate to the physical world but not necessarily with the contrast between spiritual and earthly as strongly as ἐπίγειος.

Further Insights:
As an adjective, ἐπίγειος is often used in the New Testament to draw a distinction between the earthly and the heavenly, the temporal and the eternal. It is declined according to the first and second declension patterns for adjectives in Greek. Below is a table showing the full declension of ἐπίγειος:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπίγειος as an adjective meaning “earthly” or “belonging to the earth.” It is often used in contrast to heavenly or spiritual things, particularly in theological discussions that distinguish between physical and spiritual realities.

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Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπίγειος as “earthly,” referring to what is of the earth as opposed to what is heavenly or divine. It emphasizes the term’s use in passages where earthly wisdom, nature, or matters are contrasted with those that are spiritual or heavenly.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπίγειος under adjectives describing the earthly and physical. It is highlighted as a term often used in the New Testament to distinguish between the transient and the eternal, the human and the divine.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides an overview of ἐπίγειος as an adjective meaning “earthly,” “terrestrial,” or “worldly.” It is used in classical Greek literature to denote anything related to the physical world as opposed to the spiritual or celestial.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπίγειος as an adjective meaning “earthly” or “terrestrial.” It emphasizes its use in the New Testament to contrast earthly wisdom, power, or life with that which is from above or heavenly.

Related Scripture References

• James 3:15: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly (ἐπίγειος), sensual, devilish.”
• Philippians 2:10: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth (ἐπίγειος), and things under the earth.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:40: “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial (ἐπίγειος): but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπίγειος (G1919)

The Greek adjective ἐπίγειος (epígeios) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “earthly” or “of the earth.” Its primary meanings revolve around the idea of what pertains to the physical world, in contrast to the spiritual or heavenly realms. In the New Testament, ἐπίγειος appears in contexts that emphasize the distinction between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom, between the physical and the spiritual. Understanding ἐπίγειος is essential for interpreting theological contrasts, cultural perspectives, and philosophical reflections described in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπίγειος is used in James 3:15 to describe “earthly wisdom” in contrast to wisdom that comes from above? This passage emphasizes the different sources and qualities of wisdom, underscoring the New Testament’s frequent contrast between what is worldly and what is divine.