Introduction

Understanding the Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) is crucial for Biblical studies, especially when examining church leadership and organization in the New Testament. Often translated as “overseer” or “bishop,” this term is central to discussions about the roles and responsibilities of church leaders. The word has significant implications for understanding early Christian communities and their structures, as well as how these roles evolved from ancient Greek cultural practices.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) [eh-PEE-sko-pos]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and σκέπτομαι (skeptomai, “to look” or “to examine”).
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Overseer or supervisor
• Bishop (as a church leader)
• Guardian or protector

Similar Words: ποιμήν (poimēn) [poy-MANE], meaning “shepherd.” While ἐπίσκοπος emphasizes the oversight or supervisory role, ποιμήν focuses on the pastoral care and guidance aspect of leadership. Both terms are related to church leadership but highlight different aspects of the role.

Further Insights: The word ἐπίσκοπος emphasizes both the function and the responsibility of watching over or supervising a group. In the New Testament, this term is used to describe leaders in Christian communities who are responsible for teaching, guiding, and maintaining order. Below is the full declension of ἐπίσκοπος in the second declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπίσκοπος as “one who has the responsibility of safeguarding or seeing to it that something is done,” emphasizing the oversight function. It is often used to refer to a church leader or bishop in early Christian contexts.
• Thayers: Explains ἐπίσκοπος as “an overseer” or “guardian,” specifically noting its use in the New Testament for elders or leaders in a church who are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the community.
• Vines: Notes that ἐπίσκοπος is translated as “bishop” or “overseer” and describes a role involving both administrative oversight and spiritual care. It is often associated with elders but emphasizes more of the supervisory duties.
• LSJ: Lists ἐπίσκοπος as “overseer” or “guardian,” commonly used in both secular and religious contexts to describe a person charged with supervising a group, project, or area.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπίσκοπος as “an overseer,” with specific reference to a bishop in early church settings. It notes the word’s function in providing care and supervision over a group or community.

Related Scripture References

• Philippians 1:1 – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers [ἐπισκόποις] and deacons.”
• 1 Timothy 3:2 – “Therefore an overseer [ἐπίσκοπος] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
• Titus 1:7 – “For an overseer [ἐπίσκοπος], as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.”
• 1 Peter 2:25 – “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer [ἐπίσκοπον] of your souls.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπίσκοπος (G1985)

The Greek noun ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), often translated as “overseer” or “bishop,” is central to understanding early Christian leadership structures and practices. The term describes a person who provides oversight, care, and guidance, particularly within a church context. In the New Testament, the ἐπίσκοπος holds a significant role in maintaining the spiritual well-being and organizational integrity of the Christian community. This role draws from both Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions, where similar oversight functions were observed. Understanding ἐπίσκοπος is key to comprehending the early church’s governance and the development of Christian leadership roles.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπίσκοπος is where we get the English word “bishop.” In the early Christian church, bishops were considered successors to the apostles, tasked with the spiritual oversight of the community. The term ἐπίσκοπος is often used interchangeably with “elder” (presbyteros) in the New Testament, but as church structures developed, the title “bishop” became more formalized, eventually denoting a higher level of oversight and authority within the church hierarchy.