from a compound of ἐπί and ἄρχω (meaning a governor of a district, "eparch"); a special region of government, i.e. a Roman præfecture:--province.
Transliteration:eparchía
Pronunciation:ep-ar-khee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐπαρχία (eparchía), `{{G1885}}`, is derived from the preposition ἐπί (upon, over) and the verb ἄρχω (to rule, to be first). This etymological root clearly points to a region or territory over which someone exercises rule or authority. In the context of the New Testament, eparchía specifically denotes a Roman administrative division, commonly translated as "province." It refers to a geographical district under the direct governance of a Roman official, such as a procurator or proconsul. This term reflects the precise administrative nomenclature of the Roman Empire, distinguishing these governed regions from independent kingdoms or city-states. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow and technical, referring exclusively to a political-geographical unit within the Roman imperial structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπαρχία (eparchía), `{{G1885}}`, appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 23:34]].
The context is crucial: Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and is being sent by the tribune Lysias to Felix, the Roman governor in Caesarea. Lysias writes a letter to Felix explaining the situation. When Paul arrives, Felix asks him, "From what province are you?" The text states, "And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, 'I will hear you when your accusers have arrived.'"
This single occurrence perfectly aligns with the core meaning of eparchía as a Roman administrative province. Cilicia was indeed a Roman province, and Paul, being a citizen, was subject to its jurisdiction. Felix's question was a standard administrative inquiry, determining the legal and geographical origin of the prisoner to establish the proper jurisdiction for the trial. This meticulous detail underscores the historical accuracy of Luke's narrative, situating the events of the early church firmly within the political and legal realities of the Roman Empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπαρχία (eparchía) is enhanced by considering related terms that describe governance, territory, or authority within the biblical context, particularly the Roman world.
* ἄρχω (archō, `{{G757}}`): The verbal root from which eparchía is derived, meaning "to rule, to be first." This foundational verb highlights the concept of authority inherent in a province.
* ἄρχων (archōn, `{{G758}}`): A ruler, prince, or magistrate. This term refers to the one who exercises authority *over* a region like an eparchía.
* ἀρχή (archē, `{{G746}}`): Can mean "beginning," but also "rule," "dominion," or "principality," often referring to a sphere of authority or those who hold it.
* ἡγεμών (hēgemōn, `{{G2232}}`): A governor or procurator, the specific title for the Roman official who would govern an eparchía, such as Pontius Pilate or Felix.
* βασιλεία (basileia, `{{G932}}`): Kingdom, a broader term for a realm or dominion, which might encompass multiple provinces or be distinct from Roman administrative divisions.
* χώρα (chōra, `{{G5561}}`): A more general term for country, land, or region, without the specific administrative connotation of eparchía.
The relationship between eparchía and these terms illuminates the structured nature of Roman rule, where specific officials (like the hēgemōn) governed defined territories (eparchía) under their archē.
### Theological Significance
While ἐπαρχία (eparchía) is a secular administrative term, its presence in the New Testament carries implicit theological significance.
Firstly, it grounds the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in concrete historical and geographical realities. The Gospel is not proclaimed in an abstract vacuum but within the specific political framework of the Roman Empire, with its established provinces and legal systems. This historical rootedness affirms the veracity of the biblical narrative.
Secondly, the existence and mention of Roman provinces underscore the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and structures. Even as Paul is subjected to the Roman legal system and transported through its provinces, it is ultimately God's will that guides his journey and ensures the spread of the Gospel to strategic locations, including Rome itself. The administrative divisions, intended for imperial control, inadvertently serve as pathways for the Gospel's dissemination.
Thirdly, Paul's movement through different eparchíai (provinces) highlights the universal scope of the Gospel. It is not confined to Judea but extends throughout the Roman world, demonstrating that salvation is for all peoples, regardless of their provincial affiliation. The administrative boundaries become permeable to the divine mission.
Finally, the term implicitly speaks to the tension between divine authority and human governance. Paul, a servant of the King of Kings, navigates the systems of earthly rulers, demonstrating how believers are called to live faithfully within established authorities, even when those authorities are imperfect or hostile.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπαρχία (eparchía), `{{G1885}}`, precisely denotes a Roman administrative "province," a region under the governance of an imperial official. Its single occurrence in [[Acts 23:34]], where Felix inquires about Paul's province, perfectly illustrates this specific meaning and highlights the historical accuracy of Luke's account. This term, though secular in nature, carries theological weight by demonstrating God's sovereign control over human political structures, using them as the stage for the Gospel's universal advance. It grounds the biblical narrative in concrete historical reality and underscores the global reach of the Christian message, which transcends all earthly administrative boundaries.
TRV