G2012

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament and grasping the nuances of ancient Greek culture and administration. The word ἐπίτροπος (Strong’s G2012: epítropos) is particularly significant because it refers to a “steward,” “guardian,” or “manager.” This noun form is related to the verb ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), meaning “to permit” or “to allow,” and conveys the idea of someone entrusted with authority or responsibility. Understanding epítropos provides insight into social and legal structures in ancient Greek and Jewish contexts, where stewards or guardians played crucial roles.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπίτροπος (epítropos) [eh-PEE-tro-pos]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐπιτρέπω (epitrépō), which means “to permit” or “to allow,” combining the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” with τρέπω (trépō), meaning “to turn” or “to direct.” The noun epítropos refers to someone who is “appointed over” others, such as a steward, manager, or guardian.
• Part of Speech: Noun; masculine; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Steward or manager.
• Guardian or custodian.
• Overseer or superintendent.

Similar Words: οἰκονόμος (oikonómos) [oy-ko-NO-mos] also means “steward” or “manager,” but it emphasizes household management. While epítropos refers more broadly to a guardian or someone in charge of property or people, oikonómos specifically relates to the administration of a household or estate.

Further Insights: The noun ἐπίτροπος is used to denote a person who has been entrusted with responsibility or authority. It is a second declension masculine noun, which follows regular patterns in Greek noun declensions.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπίτροπος is defined as “steward,” “administrator,” or “guardian,” particularly in contexts where someone is given authority over a household, property, or minor. It emphasizes the role of management or custodianship.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epítropos as “one to whose care or honor one has been entrusted,” often in the sense of a guardian or steward who manages the affairs of another.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epítropos can mean a “guardian” or “manager,” often in contexts where the person has been entrusted with authority over minors or property.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epítropos can mean “overseer,” “steward,” or “governor,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes someone appointed to manage or oversee affairs.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epítropos as “a commissioner,” “domestic manager,” or “guardian,” focusing on its usage to describe someone with the authority to manage or oversee.

Related Scripture References

• Galatians 4:2: “But is under tutors and governors [ἐπιτρόπους (epitrópous)] until the time appointed of the father.”
  This verse illustrates the role of a guardian or manager, describing someone who is responsible for overseeing the affairs of a minor until they reach maturity.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπίτροπος (G2012: epitropos)

The Greek word ἐπίτροπος (epítropos), meaning “steward,” “guardian,” or “manager,” is a noun that captures the concept of a person entrusted with authority over others, whether over property, minors, or administrative duties. This word is used in the New Testament (Galatians 4:2) to describe those responsible for overseeing minors, illustrating the broader social and legal roles of stewards or guardians in ancient contexts. It also appears frequently in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint to describe stewards, managers, or governors. Understanding epítropos provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical concepts of authority, management, and custodianship.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπίτροπος shares a root with ἐπιτρέπω, the verb meaning “to permit” or “to allow”? While epitrépō involves the act of allowing or giving leave, epítropos focuses on the person who is entrusted with such permission or authority. In ancient Greek and Biblical contexts, stewards and guardians (epítropoi) were often appointed by those in power to manage households, properties, or even state affairs, reflecting a complex hierarchy of trust and responsibility.