Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and comprehending the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπίσταμαι (Strong’s G1987: epístamai) is significant because it conveys the idea of knowledge, understanding, or skill. This term provides essential insights into how knowledge and perception are portrayed in the New Testament and reflects broader philosophical and cultural concepts in ancient Greek thought.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai) [eh-PIS-tah-my]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and ἵσταμαι (histamai), meaning “to stand” or “to set.” Together, it conveys the idea of “standing over” something with understanding.
- Part of Speech: Verb (deponent); middle voice; present tense.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To know or understand something fully.
- To be acquainted with or skilled in something.
- To be able to perceive or recognize a concept or fact.
Similar Words: γινώσκω (ginōskō) [ghin-OHS-ko] also means “to know,” but it differs from epístamai by focusing more on experiential knowledge or coming to know something over time, whereas epístamai emphasizes a fuller, more comprehensive understanding.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπίσταμαι is a deponent verb, meaning it is middle in form but active in meaning. It is often used to denote an in-depth understanding or competence. Its use is frequent in contexts that require a nuanced grasp of a subject, indicating more than mere awareness but a standing over a matter with authority and comprehension.
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
ἐπίσταμαι is described as “to know” or “to understand,” especially with an implication of thoroughness. It conveys a knowledge that allows one to handle or engage with something effectively.
Thayer’s Lexicon:
This lexicon defines epístamai as “to put one’s mind upon” or “to be acquainted with.” It is commonly used in contexts where a deep understanding or knowledge is implied.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epístamai emphasizes an intellectual grasp, more comprehensive than ginōskō. It implies a standing over the knowledge, suggesting authority or expertise in that area.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights the broader application of epístamai in classical and philosophical texts, where it denotes knowledge that is authoritative and established, often related to professional or skilled understanding.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epístamai as “to know well” or “to be assured of.” The term is presented in contexts where a person is not just aware but knowledgeable to the point of being confident in that knowledge.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 18:25: “This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew [ἐπίστατο (epistato)] only the baptism of John.”
- Acts 19:15: “And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know [ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai)], and Paul I know; but who are you?'”
- 1 Timothy 6:4: “He is proud, knowing [ἐπίσταται (epistatai)] nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | The Republic | “He who understands (ἐπίσταται) justice must also comprehend the good.” |
| Aristotle | Metaphysics | “The philosopher knows (ἐπίσταται) things not only in part but in their wholeness.” |
| Xenophon | Memorabilia | “The general who knows (ἐπίσταται) his strategy will succeed in war.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 3:20 (LXX) | “By His knowledge (ἐπίσταται), the depths were broken up, and the clouds drop down dew.” |
| Septuagint | Daniel 1:17 (LXX) | “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge (ἐπίστατο) and skill in all learning and wisdom.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Maccabees 4:40 (LXX) | “The crowd, realizing (ἐπίστατο) the evil intentions of the commander, took to arms.” |
Summary of ἐπίσταμαι (G1987: epístamai)
The Greek word ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai), a verb meaning “to know” or “to understand,” is a term that denotes a deep, thorough understanding of a subject or skill. It is widely used in the New Testament to convey complete knowledge, as demonstrated in contexts ranging from intellectual discourse to practical skills. The word also appears frequently in classical Greek literature, where it signifies an authoritative grasp or expertise, reflecting the Greek cultural emphasis on knowledge and philosophy. The Septuagint uses the term to highlight divine wisdom and understanding. Its comprehensive usage makes epístamai a key term for grasping both Biblical and classical Greek ideas of knowledge.
Did You Know?
Did you know that ἐπίσταμαι is a deponent verb, which means that although it appears in the middle voice, it carries an active meaning? This unique grammatical feature adds depth to its usage, as it implies a state of being rather than an action performed on or for oneself. Such verbs in Greek often reveal subtle nuances about the subject’s relationship with the action, providing richer layers of meaning in the text.
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