Brief Overview of ἐπιτιμάω (Strong’s G2008: epitimáō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament and understanding the nuances of ancient Greek culture. The word ἐπιτιμάω (Strong’s G2008: epitimáō) is particularly significant as it means “to rebuke,” “to admonish,” or “to warn.” This verb is frequently used in the New Testament, especially in contexts where Jesus or his disciples rebuke evil spirits, calm storms, or correct behavior. It reflects both authority and correction, crucial for understanding the interactions in Biblical narratives and their cultural implications.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō) [eh-pee-tee-MAH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “against,” and the verb τιμάω (timáō), meaning “to honor” or “to value.” Together, they suggest “to place value upon” in the sense of issuing a rebuke or setting a standard.
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To rebuke or reprove.
• To admonish or warn.
• To command or charge with authority.

Similar Words: ἐλέγχω (elégchō) [eh-LENG-kho] also means “to rebuke” or “to convict,” but it often involves exposing wrong or convincing someone of their fault. In contrast, epitimáō carries a more authoritative tone of reprimanding or warning to correct behavior or action.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιτιμάω is often used in contexts where there is a clear power dynamic, such as when Jesus rebukes the wind and waves or when an authority figure corrects someone. The verb’s form is regular, following the patterns of Greek conjugation typical of its class.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιτιμάω is defined as “to rebuke” or “to warn,” especially in contexts involving authority or correction. It emphasizes the authoritative nature of the action, whether in calming a storm or rebuking evil spirits.

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epitimáō as “to rebuke,” “to chide,” or “to admonish,” often used in the sense of correcting someone or something with authority. It is frequently employed in both divine and human contexts.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epitimáō conveys the idea of rebuke or warning, particularly in contexts involving correction or authority. It highlights its use in the New Testament where Jesus and His disciples issue authoritative commands.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epitimáō can mean “to rebuke,” “to censure,” or “to charge,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes a formal act of reprimand or correction.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epitimáō as “to rebuke” or “to charge,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe acts such as rebuking demons, calming storms, or issuing corrective commands.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 8:26: “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked [ἐπετίμησεν (epetímēsen)] the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
• Mark 1:25: “And Jesus rebuked [ἐπετίμησεν (epetímēsen)] him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.”
• Luke 9:42: “And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked [ἐπετίμησεν (epetímēsen)] the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.”
• Mark 8:33: “But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked [ἐπετίμησεν (epetímēsen)] Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιτιμάω (G2008: epitimáō)

The Greek word ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō), meaning “to rebuke,” “to admonish,” or “to warn,” is a verb that captures the concept of correction, warning, or authoritative command. In the New Testament, it is used to describe actions where authority is exercised to correct behavior, calm nature, or command spirits, as seen in passages like Matthew 8:26 and Mark 1:25. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe acts of formal reprimand or authoritative correction. Understanding epitimáō provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical concepts of authority, correction, and directive actions.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιτιμάω combines a Greek prefix meaning “upon” or “against” with a root that relates to value or honor, creating a word that conveys the idea of setting a standard or correcting behavior? This word is frequently used in both sacred and secular contexts to describe actions that require authority, intention, or moral guidance, such as rebuking spirits or correcting students.