Brief Overview of ἐπιτρέπω (Strong’s G2010: epitrépō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insights into the cultural and intellectual context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιτρέπω (Strong’s G2010: epitrépō) is particularly significant as it means “to permit,” “to allow,” or “to give leave.” This verb is commonly used in the New Testament in contexts where permission or authority is granted, reflecting both legal and ethical dynamics within early Christian communities and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō) [eh-pee-TREH-po]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb τρέπω (trépō), meaning “to turn” or “to direct.” Together, they suggest the idea of “turning over” or “granting permission” to someone.
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To permit or allow.
• To entrust or give authority.
• To give leave or license to do something.

Similar Words: ἀφιέω (aphiéō) [ah-FEE-eh-oh] also means “to allow” or “to permit,” but it often emphasizes the idea of letting go or forgiving. In contrast, epitrépō specifically involves granting permission or authority to act, often in legal or formal contexts.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιτρέπω is often used in legal, social, and ethical contexts to convey the act of granting permission or authority. It follows the regular conjugation patterns for Greek verbs of its class.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιτρέπω is defined as “to permit” or “to allow,” especially in contexts where authority is granted to someone else. It emphasizes the transfer of power or the act of giving consent.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epitrépō as “to turn over,” “to permit,” or “to allow.” It is often used to denote the granting of permission or authority, whether in personal, legal, or divine contexts.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epitrépō conveys the idea of granting leave or permission, particularly in contexts where an authority figure allows or entrusts someone with a specific task or action.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epitrépō can mean “to allow,” “to permit,” or “to entrust,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes legal or formal permissions or consents.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epitrépō as “to allow” or “to give leave,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe acts of permitting, authorizing, or granting consent.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 8:21: “And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer [ἐπιτρέψον (epitrépson)] me first to go and bury my father.”
• 1 Corinthians 14:34: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted [ἐπιτρέπεται (epitrépetai)] unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”
• Acts 21:39-40: “But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer [ἐπίτρεψόν (epítrepson)] me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him license [ἐπιτρέψαντος (epitrepsantos)], Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιτρέπω (G2010: epitrépō)

The Greek word ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), meaning “to permit,” “to allow,” or “to give leave,” is a verb that captures the concept of granting permission, authority, or consent. In the New Testament, it is used to describe situations where permission is sought or granted, often involving an authority figure, as seen in passages like Matthew 8:21 and 1 Corinthians 14:34. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe various legal, social, and divine permissions. Understanding epitrépō provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical concepts of authority, consent, and ethical boundaries.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιτρέπω combines a Greek prefix meaning “upon” or “over” with a root verb meaning “to turn” or “to direct”? This combination creates a word that vividly conveys the idea of turning authority or decision-making power over to another person. It is frequently used in both sacred and secular contexts to describe actions involving permission, consent, or authorization in legal, social, or spiritual matters.