Brief Overview of ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (G244)

The Greek word ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos) is a compound term derived from “ἀλλοτρίος” (allotrios, meaning “foreign” or “strange”) and “ἐπίσκοπος” (episkopos, meaning “overseer” or “bishop”). It is used to describe someone who is a “foreign overseer” or “bishop.” In the New Testament context, it refers to someone who has taken on a position of oversight or authority that does not rightfully belong to them or is not within their jurisdiction. Essentially, it denotes a person who is occupying a role or position improperly or intrusively.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G244 ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos): According to Strong’s Concordance, this term combines “ἀλλοτρίος” (allos, “foreign”) and “ἐπίσκοπος” (episkopos, “overseer” or “bishop”). It is used in the New Testament to refer to an “alien overseer,” meaning someone who is not legitimately or rightfully in a position of oversight or authority.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon defines ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος as a “foreign overseer.” It elaborates that this term indicates someone who holds an authoritative position without rightful claim or authority, essentially referring to an intruder in a leadership role.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon notes that ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος is used in a similar context to describe a “foreigner” or “stranger” in a role of oversight. It underscores the sense of being improperly or illegitimately in a position of authority or governance.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• The BDB Lexicon does not directly cover Greek terms but acknowledges the influence of the Septuagint (LXX) on the understanding of such terms. The term ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος is understood within the context of someone who is an unauthorized or inappropriate overseer, reinforcing the notion of foreignness in relation to the authority they assume.

In summary, ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos) means “foreign overseer” or “alien bishop,” used to describe someone in a position of authority who does not rightfully belong there. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and the BDB Lexicon all emphasize its usage to indicate a person in an unauthorized or inappropriate oversight role.