Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō) is essential in Biblical studies because it helps to uncover the deeper meanings and contexts within the New Testament and ancient Greek culture. This word, which generally means “to look upon,” “to oversee,” or “to inspect,” plays a crucial role in understanding the concept of oversight and leadership within the early Christian church. Its use reflects the responsibilities of church leaders and how they are to care for and guide their congregations.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō) [eh-pee-sko-PEH-oh]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and σκέπτομαι (skeptomai, “to look” or “to examine”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (Active Voice); commonly used in the context of supervision, inspection, or oversight.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To look upon, to inspect, to oversee
• To examine carefully, especially in a supervisory or administrative role
• To visit with the intent to help or care for

Similar Words: ἐποπτεύω (epopteuō) [eh-pop-TEH-oh], meaning “to watch over” or “to oversee.” While ἐπισκοπέω emphasizes a more direct form of oversight or inspection, often with an administrative or caring aspect, ἐποπτεύω focuses more on observing and guarding, usually from a distance.

Further Insights: ἐπισκοπέω is a compound verb that intensifies the action of its root. The prefix ἐπί (“upon”) adds a sense of purposefulness or authority to the act of looking or inspecting. Below is a table showing the conjugation of ἐπισκοπέω in the present tense:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπισκοπέω as “to look upon” or “to oversee,” particularly in the context of leadership or care within the early church. It is often used to describe the role of elders or bishops who are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.
• Thayers: Describes ἐπισκοπέω as “to inspect” or “to examine,” with an emphasis on care and attention. It conveys the idea of looking after someone or something with responsibility and diligence.
• Vines: Notes that ἐπισκοπέω suggests a form of careful oversight, particularly within a religious or community context. It is connected with the role of overseers (episkopoi) in the early church, highlighting their duty to care for and guide the flock.
• LSJ: Lists ἐπισκοπέω as “to inspect” or “to oversee,” used both literally for inspecting objects or situations and metaphorically for caring for people or groups.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπισκοπέω as “to look upon” or “to oversee,” particularly in reference to the pastoral care or supervision in a church setting.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Peter 5:2 – “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight [ἐπισκοποῦντες], not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.”
• Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [ἐπισκοποῦντες], to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισκοπέω (G1983)

The Greek verb ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō) carries profound implications in both Biblical and classical literature. It denotes an act of overseeing, inspecting, or caring for with diligence and responsibility. In the New Testament, ἐπισκοπέω is often used in the context of church leadership, where elders or overseers (bishops) are charged with caring for and guiding the spiritual well-being of their congregations. The word also appears in the Septuagint to describe God’s attentive care and visitation of His people. Understanding ἐπισκοπέω helps to reveal the nature of leadership and divine oversight within both ancient Greek culture and the early Christian church.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπισκοπέω is the root for the English word “episcopal,” which is often used to refer to forms of church governance where bishops have authority. In early Christian history, the “episcopal” form of church government developed as a way to maintain doctrinal purity and organizational unity. The role of an episkopos or overseer was seen as a continuation of the apostolic tradition of caring oversight and spiritual leadership within the church.