Brief Overview of Ἐπικούρειος (Strong’s G1946: Epikoúreios)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital for gaining deeper insights into Biblical texts and their cultural contexts. The word Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios), Strong’s G1946, is particularly significant because it refers to “Epicurean,” a follower of the philosophical teachings of Epicurus. This term is important in New Testament interpretation, especially in the context of Acts 17:18, where it is used to describe a group of philosophers who debated with Paul in Athens. The Epicureans were known for their belief in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain as the highest good, which made them relevant to discussions about ethics, morality, and the nature of the divine in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios) [eh-pee-KOO-ray-os]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: From Ἐπίκουρος (Epíkouros), meaning “Epicurus,” the founder of the Epicurean school of philosophy, and the suffix -ειος (-eios), denoting association or belonging.
• Part of Speech: Adjective. It follows the standard declension patterns for Greek adjectives.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Pertaining to Epicurus or his philosophy.
• A follower of Epicurus; an Epicurean.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include Στωϊκός (Stōïkós) [sto-ee-KOS], meaning “Stoic,” a follower of the Stoic school of philosophy, and Πλατωνικός (Platonikós) [pla-to-nee-KOS], meaning “Platonic,” pertaining to the philosophy of Plato. While Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios) specifically refers to Epicureans, who focused on seeking pleasure as the highest good, Στωϊκός describes adherents of Stoicism, which emphasized rationality and self-control, and Πλατωνικός refers to the followers of Plato, who emphasized ideal forms and metaphysical realities.

Further Insights: The adjective Ἐπικούρειος derives from the name Ἐπίκουρος (Epíkouros), the founder of the Epicurean school of thought, which was one of the prominent philosophical schools during the Hellenistic period. The suffix -ειος (-eios) is used to create an adjective meaning “pertaining to” or “related to.” This term appears in the context of philosophical debates in the New Testament, highlighting the diverse intellectual landscape of the time.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines Ἐπικούρειος as “Epicurean,” referring to followers of the Epicurean philosophy. It notes that the Epicureans were known for their materialistic worldview and their emphasis on the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good, with a focus on avoiding pain and anxiety.
• Thayers: Describes Ἐπικούρειος as “belonging to Epicurus,” specifically highlighting its use in Acts 17:18 to describe the philosophers who encountered Paul. The lexicon mentions that the Epicureans held beliefs about the gods being indifferent to human affairs and emphasized a tranquil life free from fear.
• Vines: Indicates that Ἐπικούρειος pertains to the followers of Epicurus and elaborates on their worldview, which was characterized by a focus on physical pleasure, absence of pain, and an agnostic or atheistic stance towards divine intervention in the world.
• LSJ: In classical Greek literature, Ἐπικούρειος is noted to mean “Epicurean,” often used in discussions of philosophy and ethics. The term is frequently associated with debates on pleasure, pain, and the nature of happiness, especially in the writings of opponents of Epicureanism, such as the Stoics.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “Epicurean,” emphasizing its use in the context of philosophical discussion, particularly in Acts 17:18, where it represents the Epicureans who debated with Paul about his teachings.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 17:18: “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans (Ἐπικουρείων) and of the Stoics encountered him. And some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,’ because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.”

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Classical Usage

Summary of Ἐπικούρειος (G1946)

The Greek word Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios) is an adjective meaning “Epicurean” or “pertaining to Epicurus.” It holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it describes the followers of Epicurus and their philosophical beliefs. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a group of philosophers who debated with Paul in Athens, reflecting the diverse philosophical and religious landscape of the time. The Epicureans emphasized pleasure as the highest good and believed in a materialistic worldview, which often put them at odds with other philosophical schools and religious beliefs of their era.

Did You Know?

The Epicureans, described as Ἐπικούρειοι (Epikoúreioi) in the New Testament, were one of the major philosophical schools in ancient Greece. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Epicurus himself advocated for a simple life of modest pleasures, friendship, and contemplation rather than indulgence in excessive luxury. The Epicurean philosophy also famously taught that the gods exist but are not concerned with human affairs, a concept that stood in stark contrast to the active, personal deity presented by early Christians. This philosophical difference is highlighted in Acts 17, where Paul engages with both Epicureans and Stoics, presenting the Gospel message that ultimately challenges their views on the divine and human purpose.