Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as ἐπισκοπή (episkopē) is vital for Biblical studies because it provides insight into the early church’s structure and leadership principles. This term, which refers to “oversight,” “visitation,” or “office,” plays a significant role in the New Testament, particularly in discussions of church governance and pastoral care. It helps elucidate the responsibilities and roles of church leaders, such as bishops and elders, and their function in the spiritual care of the community.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισκοπή (episkopē) [eh-pee-sko-PAY]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and σκέπτομαι (skeptomai, “to look” or “to examine”).
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Oversight or supervision
• Office or position of overseer
• Visitation, especially a divine visitation

Similar Words: ἐποπτεία (epopteia) [eh-pop-TEE-ah], which means “watching over” or “supervision.” While ἐπισκοπή emphasizes an official role or office with responsibilities for oversight, ἐποπτεία has a broader meaning that includes general observation or supervision without necessarily having an official capacity.

Further Insights: The word ἐπισκοπή is closely related to ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō), which means “to oversee” or “to look after.” The noun form ἐπισκοπή emphasizes the role or office itself, rather than the action. Below is the full declension of ἐπισκοπή in the first declension:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπισκοπή as “oversight” or “office,” particularly in reference to the role of a bishop or overseer in the early Christian church. It can also mean “visitation,” as in the sense of God visiting His people to bring blessing or judgment.
• Thayers: Explains ἐπισκοπή as “a charge or office” in the context of church leadership, where it denotes the position or function of an overseer or bishop. It also refers to “visitation,” often with a divine aspect in the Scriptures.
• Vines: Notes that ἐπισκοπή suggests both the action of overseeing and the office itself. It highlights the responsibility and authority of church leaders who hold the position of an overseer.
• LSJ: Lists ἐπισκοπή as “inspection,” “supervision,” or “office,” and also “visitation,” used both in a secular context for oversight and in a religious context for divine care or judgment.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπισκοπή as “inspection” or “overseership,” often used for the office of a bishop in early Christian texts. It also includes the concept of a divine or providential visitation.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 1:20 – “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office [ἐπισκοπήν].’”
• 1 Timothy 3:1 – “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer [ἐπισκοπῆς], he desires a noble task.”
• Luke 19:44 – “And tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation [ἐπισκοπῆς].”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισκοπή (G1984)

The Greek noun ἐπισκοπή (episkopē) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical literature, often translated as “oversight,” “office,” or “visitation.” In the New Testament, it refers to the office of a bishop or overseer, highlighting the responsibilities of spiritual leadership and care within the early Christian church. The term also appears in contexts of divine visitation, where God visits His people with either judgment or blessing. Understanding ἐπισκοπή provides valuable insight into the organizational and spiritual dynamics of the early church, as well as the broader cultural significance of leadership and care in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

The English word “bishop” is derived from the Greek ἐπισκοπή through the Latin episcopus. In the early church, a bishop was seen as an “overseer” who was responsible for teaching, governing, and shepherding the Christian community. The role has evolved significantly over centuries, but its roots are deeply embedded in the concept of ἐπισκοπή, emphasizing the importance of vigilant care, guidance, and spiritual oversight.