Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insight into the cultural and spiritual dynamics of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιστροφή (Strong’s G1995: epistrophē) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of “turning back” or “conversion.” This noun is central to understanding themes of repentance, spiritual transformation, and returning to a righteous path, which are prevalent in both New Testament teachings and ancient Greek philosophy.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιστροφή (epistrophē) [eh-pee-stro-FAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō), meaning “to turn” or “to return,” and the suffix -η (-ē), which forms abstract nouns. Thus, it implies “a turning back” or “a conversion.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A turning back or return.
• Conversion, especially in a spiritual or religious sense.
• A change of direction, often implying a shift in belief or behavior.

Similar Words: μετάνοια (metánoia) [meh-TAH-noh-ee-ah] also means “repentance” or “a change of mind,” but it focuses more on the aspect of regret and inner transformation concerning one’s sins. Epistrophē, on the other hand, emphasizes the outward act of turning back or returning, often with a spiritual connotation.

Further Insights: The noun ἐπιστροφή belongs to the first declension in Greek, which typically includes feminine nouns ending in -η or -α. It is commonly used in the New Testament and other early Christian writings to describe the concept of conversion or returning to God. The term carries both a physical and metaphorical sense of turning, indicating a complete change in direction or purpose, whether geographically or spiritually.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιστροφή is defined as “a turning” or “conversion,” particularly with a religious or spiritual focus. It is used to denote a return to a previous state or a turning back towards God and righteousness.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epistrophē as “a turning about” or “a conversion,” emphasizing its use in contexts where there is a significant change in direction, often in a moral or spiritual sense. It highlights the idea of returning to a path of faith or correctness.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epistrophē is primarily associated with spiritual conversion or repentance. It is commonly used in the New Testament to signify the act of turning back to God, indicating both a change of heart and action.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epistrophē can mean “a turning around” or “a change,” in a variety of contexts, from physical movement to intellectual or spiritual conversion. It appears in philosophical texts as a metaphor for changing one’s beliefs or opinions.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epistrophē as “a turning about” or “conversion,” particularly in the context of returning to God or a proper spiritual path. It is often used in exhortative passages where a return to righteousness is encouraged.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 15:3: “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion [ἐπιστροφὴν (epistrophēn)] of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.”
• James 5:20: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιστροφή (G1995: epistrophē)

The Greek word ἐπιστροφή (epistrophē), meaning “turning back” or “conversion,” is a noun that captures the concept of a significant change in direction, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe the act of conversion or returning to God, emphasizing both the external act and the internal transformation associated with true repentance. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it conveys a range of meanings from literal turning to metaphorical conversion. Understanding epistrophē provides valuable insights into themes of repentance, spiritual transformation, and the dynamics of returning to a path of righteousness in early Christian teachings and ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιστροφή is closely related to the English word “apostrophe,” which originally meant a “turning away” from one’s intended audience to address another? This reflects the rich heritage of Greek in shaping not only religious terminology but also rhetorical and literary concepts that continue to influence modern language.