Brief Overview of ἐπιταγή (Strong’s G2003: epitagē)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insights into the cultural and historical background of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιταγή (Strong’s G2003: epitagē) is particularly significant as it means “command,” “order,” or “directive.” This noun is crucial in understanding passages that emphasize authority, instruction, and divine or human mandates, reflecting the dynamics of authority and obedience in both the Biblical texts and the broader Greek literary tradition.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιταγή (epitagē) [eh-pee-tah-GAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb τάσσω (tássō), meaning “to arrange” or “to order.” Together, they convey the idea of “something arranged or set upon,” implying a command or directive given with authority.
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A command or order.
• An injunction or directive.
• A mandate or authoritative instruction.

Similar Words: προσταγή (prostágē) [pros-tah-GAY] also means “command” or “order,” but it often emphasizes a directive that comes from a higher authority, such as a king or governor. In contrast, epitagē can refer to commands from various levels of authority, including divine, civil, or military contexts.

Further Insights: The noun ἐπιταγή belongs to the first declension in Greek, which typically includes feminine nouns ending in -ή or -α. The word is used in contexts where commands or orders are issued, whether by God, human authorities, or other figures of power. This noun reflects the concept of authority and the binding nature of commands in both spiritual and secular settings.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιταγή is defined as “a command” or “an order,” particularly in contexts where an authoritative directive is issued. It is used in both secular and religious contexts to denote a binding instruction given by someone in authority.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epitagē as “an injunction” or “an authoritative order,” often used in passages where commands are given by a higher authority, such as a ruler or deity. It emphasizes the mandatory nature of the instruction.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epitagē conveys the idea of a command or directive that carries the weight of authority. It is used in contexts involving both human and divine instructions, highlighting the importance of obedience and submission.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epitagē can mean “command,” “order,” or “mandate,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes a directive given by someone with the power to enforce it, such as a military leader or government official.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epitagē as “command” or “order,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe directives that carry an expectation of compliance, often from divine or apostolic authority.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 16:26: “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment [ἐπιταγῆς (epitagēs)] of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:6: “But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment [ἐπιταγῇ (epitagē)].”
• 1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment [ἐπιταγῇ (epitagē)] of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.”
• Titus 1:3: “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment [ἐπιταγῇ (epitagē)] of God our Savior.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιταγή (G2003: epitagē)

The Greek word ἐπιταγή (epitagē), meaning “command,” “order,” or “directive,” is a noun that captures the concept of authoritative instruction, whether from a divine, civil, or military source. In the New Testament, it is used to describe directives from God, apostles, or other figures of authority, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the binding nature of such commands. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe commands issued by rulers, generals, or lawmakers. Understanding epitagē provides valuable insights into the dynamics of authority, obedience, and governance in both Biblical and ancient Greek contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιταγή comes from a combination of Greek elements meaning “to arrange upon”? This reflects how ancient Greek language often conveys not only the act of giving a command but also the hierarchical structure within which such commands are given, emphasizing both the authority of the giver and the duty of the receiver to comply.