Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as it allows readers to uncover the deeper meanings and contexts of Scripture. The Greek word ἐπιβουλή (transliterated as “epiboulḗ”) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of “plot,” “scheme,” or “conspiracy.” This noun is crucial for interpreting New Testament passages where deceit, plotting against someone, or malicious intent is discussed. By understanding ἐπιβουλή, readers can gain insights into the dynamics of conflict, betrayal, and opposition in the New Testament and the broader cultural and political context of ancient Greece.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπιβουλή (epiboulḗ) [eh-pee-boo-LAY]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “against,” and βουλή (boulḗ), meaning “counsel,” “will,” or “plan.” Combined, ἐπιβουλή refers to a “scheme against” or a “plot.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
• Grammatical Details: Nominative case, singular form. The word follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “Plot”
• “Scheme”
• “Conspiracy”
• “Plan against”
• “Deceitful strategy”

Similar Words:
The Greek word δόλος (dólos) [DOH-los], meaning “deceit” or “craftiness,” is similar to ἐπιβουλή. However, while δόλος emphasizes the quality of deceit or trickery, ἐπιβουλή focuses more on a concrete plan or conspiracy against someone. Another related word is μηχανή (mēchanḗ) [meh-khah-NAY], meaning “device” or “contrivance,” which often refers to an elaborate plan or mechanical device used to achieve a deceptive goal, whereas ἐπιβουλή typically involves a deliberate plot or scheme.

Further Insights:
As a noun, ἐπιβουλή refers to a plotted action or scheme often undertaken with malicious intent. It is commonly used in contexts involving betrayal, deceit, or conspiracies, both in personal and political settings. In the Greek grammatical structure, it is a feminine noun and follows the first declension pattern, with its genitive form being ἐπιβουλῆς (epiboulês).
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπιβουλή as a noun meaning “plot” or “conspiracy,” especially in contexts where there is a planned attack or deceptive strategy against someone or a group.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπιβουλή as “a plot against” or “a scheme,” emphasizing its use in passages that describe secretive planning, often with hostile or harmful intent.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπιβουλή under nouns related to schemes and conspiracies, focusing on its use to describe malicious plans or plots against an individual or authority.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broad overview of ἐπιβουλή as a noun meaning “plot” or “conspiracy.” It appears in classical Greek literature to denote actions where a group or individual secretly plans harm or deceit against another.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπιβουλή as a noun meaning “plot” or “conspiracy.” It highlights its use in passages where a deliberate act of scheming or conspiring is described, often with the intent to harm or deceive.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 9:24: “But their laying await (ἐπιβουλή) was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.”
• Acts 20:3: “And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait (ἐπιβουλή) for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιβουλή (G1917)

The Greek noun ἐπιβουλή (epiboulḗ) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “plot,” “scheme,” or “conspiracy.” Its primary meanings revolve around the idea of a deliberate plan or strategy, often with the intention of causing harm or deceit. In the New Testament, ἐπιβουλή appears in contexts that emphasize secretive plotting, betrayal, or the machinations of those opposing God’s servants or the early Christian community. Understanding ἐπιβουλή is essential for appreciating the narrative details, cultural dynamics, and moral implications described in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπιβουλή is used in Acts 9:24 to describe the plot against Saul by the Jews? This term reveals the intensity and hostility faced by early Christians, reflecting the dangerous environments and conspiracies that surrounded them as they spread their message.