from ἐπί and ἀρκέω; to avail for, i.e. help:--relieve.
Transliteration:eparkéō
Pronunciation:ep-ar-keh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπαρκέω (eparkéō, `{{G1884}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí, meaning "upon," "over," "in addition to") and the verb ἀρκέω (arkéō, `{{G714}}`, meaning "to be sufficient," "to suffice," "to be content"). The combination yields a meaning of "to be sufficient for," "to provide sufficient aid for," or "to relieve adequately." It implies not just any help, but help that is effective and meets the need at hand. The ἐπί intensifies the sense of providing what is necessary or bringing sufficiency to bear upon a situation or person. Thus, its core meaning is to furnish ample assistance, to come to the aid of someone in such a way that their need is truly met, or to provide relief that is sufficient for the circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπαρκέω appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both times within the Pastoral Epistles, specifically in 1 Timothy, and both times in the context of the church's practical care for widows.
1. **[[1 Timothy 5:10]]**: Here, ἐπαρκέω describes a characteristic of a widow who is truly worthy of the church's support. Paul lists several virtues: "having a reputation for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has *relieved* the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work." The phrase "relieved the afflicted" (θλιβομένους ἐπήρκεσεν) points to a consistent pattern of active, practical compassion shown by the widow during her life. This relief was not merely sympathetic sentiment but tangible assistance that met the needs of those in distress. It underscores that a life of service and practical charity is a prerequisite for receiving support from the church, demonstrating a reciprocal principle of Christian living.
2. **[[1 Timothy 5:16]]**: In this verse, ἐπαρκέω is used twice to delineate the responsibility for supporting widows. "If any believing woman has widows, let her *relieve* them (ἐπαρκέτω αὐτάς), and let not the church be burdened, that it may *relieve* (ἐπαρκέσῃ) those who are truly widows." This passage establishes a crucial principle: the immediate family (specifically, believing women with widowed relatives) has the primary responsibility to provide sufficient care for their own. This prevents the church from being unduly burdened and allows its resources to be directed towards those widows who genuinely have no other means of support ("those who are truly widows"). The repeated use of ἐπαρκέω emphasizes the expectation of *sufficient* and *adequate* provision, whether by family or by the church, ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable are met effectively.
In both occurrences, ἐπαρκέω is intrinsically linked to practical, material support and compassionate action, particularly towards those in vulnerable circumstances. It highlights a core aspect of Christian community life: the responsibility to provide effective aid to those in need.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐπαρκέω is closely related to its root, ἀρκέω (`{{G714}}`), which means "to be sufficient" or "to be content." While ἀρκέω can describe a state of having enough or being satisfied, ἐπαρκέω describes the *action* of providing that sufficiency to another.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **βοηθέω (boēthéō, `{{G997}}`)**: "to help," "to succor," "to come to the aid of." While similar, ἐπαρκέω often carries a stronger sense of providing *sufficient* or *complete* relief, addressing the need fully.
* **διακονέω (diakonéō, `{{G1247}}`)**: "to serve," "to minister." This is a broader term for service, often including practical help. ἐπαρκέω represents a specific type of diaconal ministry focused on material provision.
* **φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía, `{{G5363}}`)**: "love for mankind," "benevolence." ἐπαρκέω is a concrete expression of such love.
* **χρηστότης (chrēstótēs, `{{G5544}}`)**: "goodness," "kindness." The act of ἐπαρκέω flows from a disposition of goodness.
* **Compassion and Charity**: The concept of ἐπαρκέω embodies the biblical call to practical compassion and charity, demonstrating love for one's neighbor through tangible acts of support.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπαρκέω lies in its emphasis on the practical outworking of Christian love and responsibility within the community of faith.
1. **Demonstration of True Piety**: In [[1 Timothy 5:10]], the act of "relieving the afflicted" is presented as a hallmark of a life devoted to good works and genuine godliness. It suggests that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or spiritual experience, but manifests in active, compassionate service to others, especially the vulnerable. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that faith without works is dead ([[James 2:17]]).
2. **Stewardship and Order in the Church**: [[1 Timothy 5:16]] provides a crucial insight into the early church's approach to social welfare. It establishes a hierarchy of responsibility, prioritizing family care before church assistance. This demonstrates a principle of wise stewardship of resources, ensuring that the church's aid is directed most effectively to those with no other means of support. It prevents the church from being overburdened and encourages individual and familial responsibility, reflecting divine order.
3. **The Church as a Community of Care**: The very existence of instructions regarding ἐπαρκέω for widows underscores the church's inherent nature as a caring community. It is called to embody Christ's compassion by providing for the material needs of its members, particularly the most vulnerable. This practical care is an essential aspect of its witness and mission in the world.
4. **Holistic Ministry**: ἐπαρκέω highlights that Christian ministry is not solely spiritual but also encompasses the physical and material needs of people. It reflects a holistic understanding of human well-being, where spiritual truth is lived out through practical acts of love and provision.
### Summary
ἐπαρκέω (eparkéō, `{{G1884}}`) signifies the act of providing sufficient, adequate, and effective aid or relief. Its etymology from ἐπί and ἀρκέω emphasizes bringing sufficiency *to* a situation or person. In the New Testament, its two occurrences in 1 Timothy 5 consistently relate to the practical, material care for widows within the Christian community. ἐπαρκέω describes both the past charitable actions of a worthy widow ([[1 Timothy 5:10]]) and the present responsibility of family members and the church to provide for those in need ([[1 Timothy 5:16]]). Theologically, it underscores the importance of practical compassion as an evidence of genuine faith, outlines principles of responsible stewardship within the church, and affirms the church's role as a community committed to holistic care for its members. It represents active, need-meeting help, not merely passive sympathy.
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