from a compound of ἐπί and ἀνορθόω; a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation):-- correction.
Transliteration:epanórthōsis
Pronunciation:ep-an-or'-tho-sis
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπανόρθωσις (epanórthōsis - `{{G1882}}`) is a compound noun derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "again," and ἀνορθόω (anorthoō - `{{G461}}`), meaning "to set upright again" or "to restore." The root ὀρθόω (orthoō) signifies "to make straight" or "to erect." Thus, the literal sense of ἐπανόρθωσις is "a straightening up again" or "a setting right again."
Figuratively, and as applied in its sole biblical occurrence, ἐπανόρθωσις denotes "rectification," "reformation," or "correction." It implies a process of amending what is wrong, bringing something back to its proper, upright, or correct state. This is not merely a minor adjustment but a substantial re-alignment or restoration to a state of righteousness or truth. It encapsulates the idea of positive change after a deviation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπανόρθωσις (epanórthōsis - `{{G1882}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in a foundational passage concerning the nature and purpose of Scripture:
* **[[2 Timothy 3:16]]**: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting (ἐπανόρθωσις), and training in righteousness."
In this pivotal verse, ἐπανόρθωσις is presented as one of four key functions of divinely inspired Scripture, alongside διδασκαλία (didaskalia - teaching - `{{G1319}}`), ἔλεγχος (elenchos - rebuking/conviction - `{{G1651}}`), and παιδεία (paideia - training in righteousness - `{{G3811}}`).
Its placement within this list is significant. Scripture first provides "teaching" (truth). When deviations from this truth occur, it offers "rebuking" or "conviction" (exposing error or sin). Following this exposure, ἐπανόρθωσις comes into play, signifying the active process of "correction" or "rectification" – the setting right of what has been identified as wrong. This corrective action then leads into "training in righteousness," which is the ongoing discipline and formation of character in accordance with God's will. Thus, ἐπανόρθωσις is the crucial step of amendment and restoration that bridges the identification of error and the subsequent journey of righteous living.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀνορθόω (anorthoō - `{{G461}}`):** The verbal root from which ἐπανόρθωσις is derived. It means "to set upright again" or "to restore." It is used in passages like [[Luke 13:13]] (the bent-over woman was "straightened up") and [[Acts 15:16]] (God promises to "rebuild" David's fallen tent), illustrating both physical and spiritual restoration.
* **ἐλέγχω (elenchō - `{{G1651}}`):** To convict, rebuke, or expose. ἐπανόρθωσις is the positive, restorative action that follows the conviction of ἔλεγχος.
* **παιδεύω (paideuō - `{{G3811}}`):** To train, discipline, or instruct. ἐπανόρθωσις represents a specific, crucial aspect of this broader training process, focusing on the amendment of wrong.
* **διδασκαλία (didaskalia - `{{G1319}}`):** Teaching or instruction. ἐπανόρθωσις is one of the practical, transformative outcomes of sound biblical teaching.
* **Repentance (μετάνοια - metanoia - `{{G3341}}`):** While ἐπανόρθωσις describes the *action* or *process* of correction, repentance is the internal change of mind and heart that motivates and enables such correction. Scripture, through ἐπανόρθωσις, facilitates a pathway to genuine repentance.
* **Discipline:** The theological concept of divine discipline (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:5-11]]) is closely aligned with ἐπανόρθωσις, as God's discipline is designed to correct His children and lead them to righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπανόρθωσις in [[2 Timothy 3:16]] imbues it with profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature and function of God's Word:
* **The Transformative Power of Scripture:** Epanórthōsis highlights that Scripture is not merely informative or intellectually stimulating; it is inherently active and transformative. It possesses the divine power to identify error, expose sin, and then bring about the necessary rectification and restoration in the lives of believers. This underscores the living and active nature of God's Word ([[Hebrews 4:12]]).
* **God's Corrective Love and Grace:** This term speaks to the character of God, revealing His active, redemptive involvement in the lives of His people. He does not merely condemn sin but graciously provides the means for its correction and amendment. Epanórthōsis is an expression of God's loving discipline, aimed at the sanctification and spiritual flourishing of His children.
* **Holistic Spiritual Formation:** The inclusion of ἐπανόρθωσις among the functions of Scripture emphasizes that Christian growth is a dynamic and comprehensive process. It necessitates not only learning truth and being convicted of sin but also actively submitting to the process of being corrected and making amends where one has deviated from God's path. It is essential for moving from spiritual immaturity or error toward maturity and righteousness.
* **The Believer's Responsibility:** While Scripture is the divine instrument of correction, believers are called to respond to its power with humility, a willingness to acknowledge error, and obedience to its corrective leading. This involves an active receptivity to God's Word.
* **Implications for Ministry:** For those entrusted with teaching and shepherding God's flock, ἐπανόρθωσις serves as a reminder that ministry involves more than just instruction or rebuke. It demands the careful, Spirit-led application of Scripture to bring about genuine rectification and restoration in the lives of individuals, guiding them toward conformity with Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπανόρθωσις (epanórthōsis - `{{G1882}}`), found uniquely in [[2 Timothy 3:16]], conveys the profound meaning of "straightening up again" or "rectification." Derived from roots signifying restoration and making straight, it describes the active, transformative power of God-breathed Scripture. Following the identification of error or sin (ἔλεγχος), ἐπανόρθωσις represents the divine process by which believers are brought back into alignment with God's will and truth. It is a critical component of God's holistic training (παιδεία) in righteousness, demonstrating His merciful and corrective love and the indispensable role of His Word in the sanctification of His people. This term underscores that Scripture is not only for instruction and conviction but also for the practical and necessary work of amendment, leading to spiritual restoration and growth in Christlikeness.
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