Pronunciation Guide: al-lot-ree-ep-IS-kop-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G244: A meddler in other people’s affairs; one who takes oversight of matters that don’t belong to them. This rare compound word literally means “an overseer of others’ matters.” It describes someone who assumes unauthorized supervision or inspection of affairs that are not their proper concern or responsibility.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Masculine Noun
• Compound word from ἀλλότριος (allotrios, “belonging to another”) + ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, “overseer”)
• Hapax legomenon (appears only once in the New Testament)
• Used in ethical instruction/teaching context
• Koine Greek formation

ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος Morphology:

• ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (nominative singular) – a meddler
• ἀλλοτριεπισκόπου (genitive singular) – of a meddler
• ἀλλοτριεπισκόπῳ (dative singular) – to/for a meddler
• ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπον (accusative singular) – the meddler

Origin & History

The term ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος appears to be a Christian neologism, as it is not found in classical Greek literature before the New Testament. The combination of ἀλλότριος and ἐπίσκοπος reflects the early Church’s concern with proper boundaries and responsibilities within the community of believers.

Each component has a rich history in Greek literature. ἀλλότριος appears in Homer’s works to denote “belonging to another,” while ἐπίσκοπος was used by Plato in “The Republic” to describe guardians or overseers of the city-state.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A busybody who interferes in matters not their concern
• One who takes upon themselves unauthorized oversight
• A person who meddles in others’ affairs under pretense of supervision
• Someone who assumes unwarranted authority over others’ matters

ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος Translation Options:

• “Meddler” – Captures the basic sense but loses the implied authority
• “Busybody” – Emphasizes the intrusive behavior but misses the oversight aspect
• “Self-appointed overseer” – Reflects both the authority and unauthorized nature
• “Meddlesome inspector” – Combines both supervision and interference elements

Biblical Usage

The term appears in a significant warning passage in 1 Peter 4:15, where Peter lists it alongside serious offenses like murder and theft. This placement suggests the early Church viewed unauthorized meddling as a serious transgression against community order and personal boundaries.

The concept, though not the exact term, appears in other passages warning against similar behavior:

• “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as an ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος meddler in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, social boundaries and proper spheres of influence were crucial to maintaining community harmony. The term ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος would have resonated particularly strongly in Roman-occupied territories where unauthorized oversight could be seen as challenging Roman authority.

The Jewish concept of “gevul” (boundary) provides important context here. In rabbinic tradition, respecting others’ boundaries (both physical and metaphorical) was considered a fundamental ethical principle, reflected in the command “You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary stone” (Deuteronomy 19:14).

Theological Significance

The inclusion of ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος in Peter’s list of serious sins reveals divine wisdom about human relationships and authority structures. It demonstrates that Yahweh is a God of order who establishes proper boundaries and spheres of authority for His people’s flourishing.

This word carries profound implications about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Just as we are called to submit to the Messiah’s lordship, we must also respect the boundaries He has established in human relationships and community structures.

Personal Application

In our social media age, where everyone can comment on and criticize others’ lives, the warning against being an ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος is remarkably relevant. We must examine our hearts: Are we respecting others’ God-given boundaries? Are we meddling in matters where we have no divine authorization to intervene?

This calls us to practice humility and trust in God’s oversight rather than attempting to control or supervise matters outside our proper sphere of responsibility.

Related Words

• περίεργος (periergos) – busybody, meddler with focus on excessive activity – See G4021
• ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) – overseer, bishop with legitimate authority – See G1985
• ἀλλότριος (allotrios) – belonging to another, foreign, strange – See G245
• πολυπραγμονέω (polupragmoneo) – to be busy about many things, meddle – See G4238

Did you Know?

• The term ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος is one of the longest words in the New Testament, containing 16 letters in Greek.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word in legal contexts to describe unauthorized interference in contracts or business dealings.
• The concept behind ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος influenced the development of privacy laws in Byzantine legal codes, showing its lasting impact on social ethics.

Remember This

ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος stands as a divine warning that proper boundaries and authorized oversight are essential to God’s design for human flourishing and community harmony.