Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament and understanding the cultural and historical context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιτάσσω (Strong’s G2004: epitássō) is particularly significant as it means “to command,” “to order,” or “to give instructions.” This verb is essential in passages where authority and directive power are emphasized, often reflecting the dynamics between higher and lower ranks in military, civic, or divine contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιτάσσω (epitássō) [eh-pee-TAH-so]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb τάσσω (tássō), meaning “to arrange” or “to set in order.” Together, they suggest “to arrange upon” or “to command with authority.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To command or give an order.
• To instruct or prescribe.
• To appoint or assign with authority.

Similar Words: προστάσσω (prostássō) [pros-TAH-so] also means “to command” or “to order,” but it typically involves a command given in a protective or prescriptive manner, such as by a parent or guardian. In contrast, epitássō focuses more on the formal authority of issuing a command in various hierarchical contexts.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιτάσσω belongs to a category of Greek verbs that emphasize authoritative action. It is frequently used in both military and civil contexts where orders must be obeyed without question. The verb’s morphological structure is straightforward, following regular conjugation patterns typical of its class.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιτάσσω is defined as “to command” or “to order,” especially in contexts where authority is exercised. It emphasizes the authoritative nature of the directive, whether in secular or divine contexts.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epitássō as “to command,” often used in the sense of issuing orders that require obedience. It highlights the word’s use in both military and religious contexts, where directives must be followed.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epitássō conveys the idea of commanding or directing with authority. It is used in situations where there is a clear hierarchy and where the one giving the order has the right to be obeyed.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epitássō can mean “to arrange” or “to order,” particularly in classical Greek texts where it denotes the act of giving authoritative commands, especially in military or administrative settings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epitássō as “to order” or “to instruct,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe situations where authoritative commands are given by Jesus, apostles, or other figures of authority.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 6:27: “And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded [ἐπέταξεν (epétaxen)] his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison.”
• Luke 8:31: “And they besought him that he would not command [ἐπιτάξῃ (epitáxē)] them to go out into the deep.”
• Acts 23:2: “And the high priest Ananias commanded [ἐπέταξεν (epétaxen)] them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:10: “And unto the married I command [ἐπιτάσσω (epitássō)], yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιτάσσω (G2004: epitássō)

The Greek word ἐπιτάσσω (epitássō), meaning “to command,” “to order,” or “to give instructions,” is a verb that captures the concept of authoritative direction. In the New Testament, it is used to describe commands given by Jesus, apostles, or other figures of authority, emphasizing the binding nature of such directives. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe orders issued by kings, generals, and other leaders, highlighting the importance of obedience and order. Understanding epitássō provides valuable insights into the dynamics of authority, command, and governance in both Biblical and ancient Greek contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιτάσσω comes from a combination of Greek elements meaning “to arrange upon”? This reflects how ancient Greek language often conveys both the authority of the person giving the command and the expectation of those receiving it to act in accordance with the command. The word is still relevant today in understanding leadership, authority, and order.