Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament and exploring the cultural and spiritual context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιστρέφω (Strong’s G1994: epistréphō) is particularly significant because it encompasses the idea of turning back or returning, both physically and metaphorically. This verb is central to many New Testament themes, including repentance, conversion, and a change in direction or purpose, reflecting a profound shift in one’s life or beliefs.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō) [eh-pee-STREF-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “toward,” and the verb στρέφω (stréphō), meaning “to turn.” Together, they imply “to turn towards” or “to return.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To turn back or return.
• To turn around or change direction.
• To convert or change one’s mind or purpose, especially in a spiritual or moral sense.

Similar Words: μετανοέω (metanoéō) [meh-tah-NO-eh-oh] also involves the concept of a change or turning, but it focuses specifically on repentance or a change of mind regarding sin and wrongdoing. While epistréphō can mean a physical or spiritual turning, metanoéō is more focused on inner transformation and regret over past actions.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιστρέφω is commonly used in the New Testament in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It emphasizes a turning or returning to a prior state or position, which can apply to physical movements (e.g., returning home) or spiritual conversions (e.g., turning back to God). This verb is flexible in its application, appearing in different tenses and voices to convey various nuances of turning or returning.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιστρέφω is defined as “to turn around” or “to turn back,” both literally and figuratively. It is often used to describe the act of turning back to God or converting in a spiritual sense, implying a return to a previous state of faith or righteousness.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epistréphō as “to cause to return” or “to bring back,” emphasizing its use in contexts where there is a movement from one state or place to another. It can refer to physical movements or changes in the heart and mind.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epistréphō implies a significant change, often with the idea of conversion or returning to a correct path. The word is used both for individuals turning back to God and for bringing others to faith.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epistréphō can mean “to turn back” or “to return” in various contexts, from literal returning to a location to metaphorical turning in speeches or thoughts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epistréphō as “to turn about” or “to turn back.” It is especially used in the New Testament for the act of converting or turning to God, as well as for physically returning to a previous place.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 13:15: “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted [ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrépsōsin)], and I should heal them.”
• Acts 3:19: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted [ἐπιστρέψατε (epistrépsate)], that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9: “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned [ἐπεστρέψατε (epestrépsate)] to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιστρέφω (G1994: epistréphō)

The Greek word ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō), meaning “to turn back” or “to return,” is a verb that captures the concept of both physical and spiritual turning. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe the act of repentance and conversion, emphasizing a return to God or a correct path. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Understanding epistréphō provides valuable insights into themes of repentance, conversion, and spiritual renewal in early Christian teachings and ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιστρέφω can refer to both a physical return, such as coming back to a place, and a spiritual return, such as converting to faith in God? This dual application shows the flexibility of Greek verbs in expressing both tangible and intangible actions, enriching our understanding of ancient texts and their deeper meanings.