Brief Overview of ἐπιτροπή (Strong’s G2011: epitropḗ)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and understanding the cultural and administrative aspects of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιτροπή (Strong’s G2011: epitropḗ) is particularly significant as it refers to “permission,” “authority,” or “a commission.” This noun form is related to the verb ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), meaning “to permit” or “to allow.” The term epitropḗ is vital for comprehending the dynamics of authority, delegation, and governance in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιτροπή (epitropḗ) [eh-pee-tro-PAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), which means “to permit” or “to allow,” combining the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” with τρέπω (trépō), meaning “to turn” or “to direct.” The noun form epitropḗ conveys the concept of “a turning over” or “commissioning” of authority or permission.
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Permission or allowance.
• Authority or commission.
• Delegation of power or responsibility.

Similar Words: ἐξουσία (exousía) [ex-ou-SEE-ah] means “authority” or “power,” particularly in the sense of having the right or capacity to act. While epitropḗ focuses on the idea of permission or delegation, exousía emphasizes the inherent authority or power to act independently.

Further Insights: The noun ἐπιτροπή is used to denote the granting of permission or authority. It is a first declension feminine noun, following regular patterns of Greek noun declensions, which makes it predictable in its grammatical structure.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιτροπή is defined as “permission” or “authority,” particularly in contexts where power or responsibility is delegated from one person to another. It emphasizes the formal aspect of granting permission or assigning a commission.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epitropḗ as “permission,” “authority,” or “commission.” It is used in contexts where authority or responsibility is formally given or delegated, especially in legal or administrative settings.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epitropḗ conveys the idea of a “commission” or “charge,” often involving the delegation of power or responsibility from a higher authority to a subordinate or representative.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epitropḗ can mean “commission,” “authority,” or “delegation,” particularly in classical Greek texts where it denotes formal permissions or assignments of authority.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epitropḗ as “permission” or “authority,” focusing on its usage in contexts that require formal authorization or delegation of power.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 26:12: “Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority [ἐπιτροπῇ (epitropḗ)] and commission from the chief priests.”

This verse in Acts describes the authority and commission given to Paul by the chief priests to persecute Christians, illustrating the formal delegation of power that epitropḗ signifies.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιτροπή (G2011: epitropḗ)

The Greek word ἐπιτροπή (epitropḗ), meaning “permission,” “authority,” or “commission,” is a noun that captures the concept of granting or delegating authority. It appears in the New Testament in Acts 26:12, where Paul speaks of his commission and authority from the chief priests to persecute Christians. The word is also used in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint to describe various forms of permission, authority, or commissions granted by higher authorities, as seen in texts like Plato’s Republic and Numbers 27:19 in the Septuagint. Understanding epitropḗ provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical concepts of authority, delegation, and governance.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιτροπή is closely related to ἐπιτρέπω, the verb meaning “to permit”? While epitrépō describes the act of allowing or giving leave, epitropḗ focuses on the result, often formalizing the permission or delegation as a commission or authority granted by someone in power. This distinction helps us understand how Greek words can be nuanced to capture both actions and their formalized outcomes in contexts such as legal, administrative, or spiritual governance.