Brief Overview of ἐπιστομίζω (Strong’s G1993: epistomízō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιστομίζω (Strong’s G1993: epistomízō) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of “silencing” or “stopping the mouth.” This verb is essential for understanding passages in the New Testament that deal with the act of silencing opponents or false teachers, reflecting the rhetorical and social dynamics of the early Christian era.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐπιστομίζω (epistomízō) [eh-pee-sto-MEE-zoh]
Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb στομίζω (stomízō), related to στόμα (stóma), meaning “mouth.” Together, they imply “to put upon the mouth” or “to stop the mouth.”
Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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To silence or muzzle.
To stop or shut the mouth.
To restrain or make speechless.

Similar Words: φιμόω (phimóō) [fee-MOH-oh] also means “to silence” or “to muzzle,” but it is often used more generally, including references to animals (e.g., muzzling an ox). Epistomízō is more focused on the act of silencing people, particularly in a rhetorical or confrontational context.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιστομίζω is a compound verb in Greek, which combines the idea of imposing upon the mouth, emphasizing the forcible act of silencing someone. It appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts involving the correction of false teachings or adversarial speech.

Tense	Form
Present	ἐπιστομίζω
Future	ἐπιστομιῶ
Aorist	ἐπέστομισα
Perfect	ἐπέστομικα
Perfect Middle	ἐπέστομισμαι
Aorist Passive	ἐπεστομίσθην

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιστομίζω is defined as “to stop the mouth” or “to silence,” particularly in the sense of restraining someone from speaking. It is often used in contexts where there is a need to prevent false teaching or disruptive speech.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epistomízō as “to bridle” or “to check” the mouth, implying a forceful action to restrain speech. The word is used metaphorically to signify stopping or silencing someone who speaks inappropriately or falsely.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epistomízō conveys the idea of muzzling or silencing, particularly in a confrontational or corrective setting. It often carries a sense of authority in its usage, implying an action taken to maintain order or correct error.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Emphasizes the use of epistomízō in classical Greek literature where it is employed to denote silencing, whether in a legal, rhetorical, or social context. It also appears in contexts involving the restraint of animals, though less commonly.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epistomízō as “to muzzle” or “to stop the mouth.” It highlights its usage in the New Testament in contexts where the aim is to silence or prevent someone from speaking further, particularly when their speech is considered harmful or disruptive.

Related Scripture References

Titus 1:11: “Whose mouths must be stopped [ἐπιστομίζειν (epistomízein)], who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Plato	Laws	“The lawgiver must silence (ἐπιστομίζειν) those who speak against justice.”
Aristophanes	The Clouds	“He attempted to silence (ἐπιστομίζειν) his accusers with a sharp retort.”
Plutarch	Moralia	“He muzzled (ἐπιστομίζειν) the dissenters to maintain peace.”
Septuagint	Job 5:16 (LXX)	“So the poor have hope, and iniquity stoppeth (ἐπιστομίζεται) her mouth.”
Septuagint	Psalms 106:42 (LXX)	“Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand, and the adversary was silenced (ἐπιστομίζειν).”
Septuagint	Proverbs 21:23 (LXX)	“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles; he will silence (ἐπιστομίζειν) contention.”

Summary of ἐπιστομίζω (G1993: epistomízō)

The Greek word ἐπιστομίζω (epistomízō), meaning “to silence” or “to muzzle,” is a verb that carries strong connotations of forcibly stopping someone from speaking. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of silencing false teachers or opponents who spread harmful doctrines, reflecting the emphasis on maintaining doctrinal purity and order within the early Christian communities. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it often conveys the idea of silencing dissent or controlling speech, whether in a political, legal, or social context. Understanding epistomízō provides insight into the rhetorical strategies and social dynamics of ancient Greek and early Christian cultures.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιστομίζω is related to the Greek word for “mouth” (στόμα, stóma)? This connection emphasizes the direct action of shutting or closing the mouth, a vivid image that underlines the forcefulness of the term, whether used in rhetoric or conflict, making it a powerful tool for conveying authority and control in ancient Greek literature and Biblical texts.