Introduction

Understanding Greek words like ἐπίσημος (episēmos) is crucial in Biblical studies, as they help to reveal the nuances of meaning in the original text. ἐπίσημος, meaning “notable,” “distinguished,” or “marked,” is particularly significant because it helps to highlight individuals or events in the New Testament that were of particular importance or prominence. This adjective is also significant in the study of ancient Greek culture, where the concept of being marked or distinguished played an essential role in social, political, and religious contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπίσημος (episēmos) [eh-PEE-say-mos]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and σημεῖον (sēmeion, “sign” or “mark”), ἐπίσημος literally means “marked upon” or “bearing a mark,” and it is used to denote something that is notable, distinguished, or conspicuous.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (1st and 2nd declension); used to describe someone or something that is marked out or notable.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Marked, distinguished
• Notable, conspicuous
• Illustrious, renowned

Similar Words: διάσημος (diasēmos) [dee-AH-say-mos], meaning “famous” or “widely known.” While ἐπίσημος refers more generally to something marked or notable, διάσημος carries a stronger connotation of being famous or celebrated.

Further Insights: ἐπίσημος is an adjective that functions within the 1st and 2nd declension forms, adjusting its endings to match the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies. Below is the declension table for ἐπίσημος:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπίσημος as “marked,” “distinguished,” or “notable,” often used in contexts where something or someone stands out due to a specific characteristic or achievement. It can refer to a positive or negative distinction, depending on the context.
• Thayers: Offers a more detailed look, stating that ἐπίσημος means “distinguished” or “marked,” particularly in the sense of being notable or well-known. Thayers also points out that it can imply being conspicuous in a negative sense, as seen in Romans 16:7.
• Vines: Focuses on ἐπίσημος in a context of being “noteworthy” or “conspicuous.” It explains that the term can imply an honorable or dishonorable standing, depending on the context in which it is used.
• LSJ: Lists ἐπίσημος as “marked” or “eminent,” often used to describe persons of distinguished status or notable objects marked for a particular purpose.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐπίσημος as “marked” or “notable,” indicating that it can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the surrounding text.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 16:7: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles; who also were in Christ before me.” (Greek: “ἀσπάσασθε Ἀνδρόνικον καὶ Ἰουνίαν τοὺς συγγενεῖς μου καὶ συναιχμαλώτους μου, οἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, οἳ καὶ πρὸ ἐμοῦ γέγοναν ἐν Χριστῷ.”)
  In this verse, ἐπίσημοι is used to describe Andronicus and Junia as “notable among the apostles,” highlighting their distinguished status within the early Christian community.
• Matthew 27:16: “And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” (Greek: “εἶχον δὲ τότε δέσμιον ἐπίσημον λεγόμενον Βαραββᾶν.”)
  Here, ἐπίσημον is used to describe Barabbas as a “notable prisoner,” indicating that he was well-known or distinguished, perhaps infamously, among the prisoners.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπίσημος (G1978)

The Greek adjective ἐπίσημος (episēmos) conveys the idea of being marked, distinguished, or notable. This word is often used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are well-known, either positively or negatively, among their peers. Its use in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint similarly denotes distinction, whether in terms of honor, fame, or notoriety. Understanding ἐπίσημος provides insight into how distinctions were made among individuals and groups in ancient texts, helping to illuminate both cultural and theological contexts.

Did You Know?

The term ἐπίσημος combines the prefix ἐπί (epi, “upon”) with σημεῖον (sēmeion, “sign”), creating a word that literally means “marked upon” or “bearing a sign.” In ancient times, such markings could signify rank, importance, or notoriety, indicating that ἐπίσημος was often associated with being noticed, set apart, or distinguished for a specific purpose or characteristic. This concept was not limited to positive connotations; a person or thing marked could be seen as infamous as much as it could be famous, adding depth to how we interpret the New Testament and other ancient texts.