Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for deeper insight into Biblical texts and their cultural contexts. The word ἐπικουρία (epikouría), Strong’s G1947, is particularly significant as it means “aid,” “help,” or “assistance.” This noun is relevant to New Testament interpretation, particularly in passages that describe God’s help or the assistance of others in times of need. In ancient Greek culture, the concept of providing or receiving aid was important both in military contexts and in daily life, emphasizing the value of support, partnership, and community.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπικουρία (epikouría) [eh-pee-koo-REE-ah]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and κουρέω (koureō, “to provide aid”), meaning “aid” or “help.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. It follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Aid, help, or assistance.
- Military support or reinforcement.
- Provision of aid in any form, whether material, emotional, or spiritual.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include βοήθεια (boētheía) [boh-AY-thee-ah], meaning “help” or “assistance,” and συμπαράστασις (symparástasis) [soom-pa-RA-sta-sees], meaning “support” or “standing together.” While ἐπικουρία (epikouría) often emphasizes assistance in a more general or military sense, βοήθεια specifically denotes immediate help, often in urgent situations, and συμπαράστασις refers to support provided by standing alongside someone, indicating solidarity and emotional support.
Further Insights: The noun ἐπικουρία is derived from the verb κουρέω (koureō, “to provide aid”) and the preposition ἐπί (epi, “upon”), forming a word that emphasizes the act of providing aid or assistance. This word is used in various contexts, from military reinforcements to practical help among friends and communities. The word’s construction highlights the importance of acting upon the need for aid, suggesting a proactive approach to providing support.
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπικουρία as “assistance” or “aid,” often used in contexts where help is needed, such as in military reinforcements or general support in times of trouble or need.
- Thayers: Describes ἐπικουρία as “help” or “aid,” specifically referring to assistance provided by others, whether divine or human, in times of difficulty or need.
- Vines: Indicates that ἐπικουρία pertains to “aid” or “help,” especially in contexts where support is critical, emphasizing the importance of providing assistance to those who are struggling or in distress.
- LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπικουρία is noted to mean “aid” or “succor,” often used in military contexts to describe reinforcements or support troops, but also in civil and social contexts to refer to any kind of assistance provided to others.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “help” or “aid,” emphasizing its use in contexts where support is necessary, whether in physical, emotional, or spiritual terms.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 27:17: “When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.” (Here, ἐπικουρία is used to describe the support given to the ship in danger.)
- Hebrews 2:18: “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid (ἐπικουρῆσαι) those who are tempted.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “They called for aid (ἐπικουρίαν) from their allies when the city was under siege.” |
| Plato | Republic | “Justice is like a kind of assistance (ἐπικουρία) that helps maintain order in the state.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “The general requested additional forces as reinforcements (ἐπικουρίας) to aid in the battle.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms | “O God, make haste to help (ἐπικουρία) me!” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah | “The Lord will send help (ἐπικουρία) from Zion.” |
| Septuagint | Judges | “And the people cried out for aid (ἐπικουρία) when the enemy was near.” |
Summary of ἐπικουρία (G1947)
The Greek word ἐπικουρία (epikouría) is a noun that means “aid,” “help,” or “assistance.” It holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it describes the provision of support, whether in military, civil, or personal contexts. In the New Testament, it is used to highlight the need for assistance, emphasizing the role of both human and divine aid in times of difficulty or danger. Its use in classical texts reflects its broader application in discussions about the importance of support, solidarity, and community, whether in times of war or peace.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, the concept of ἐπικουρία (epikouría) went beyond just providing physical support; it was a core value that emphasized mutual aid and collaboration, both in war and in civil society. The term’s use in the New Testament reflects this value, highlighting the importance of offering help to others, whether through material support, emotional encouragement, or spiritual aid. This idea of mutual support is foundational to many Biblical teachings on community, charity, and the interdependence of believers, underscoring the timeless relevance of ἐπικουρία.
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