from ἐπί and an equivalent of αὐλή; a hut over the head, i.e. a dwelling:--habitation.
Transliteration:épaulis
Pronunciation:ep'-ow-lis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἔπαυλις (G1886, *epaulis*) is derived from the preposition ἐπί (*epi*), meaning "over" or "upon," and an equivalent of the noun αὐλή (*aulē*), which signifies a "courtyard," "sheepfold," or "dwelling." Synthesizing these components, *epaulis* fundamentally denotes "a hut over the head," thereby extending its meaning to any "dwelling" or "habitation." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily emphasizing a place of residence or shelter. Unlike more expansive terms for "house" or "household" (e.g., `{{G3613}}` *oikia* or `{{G3624}}` *oikos*), *epaulis* might subtly convey a more basic, protective, or even temporary form of dwelling, though its single New Testament occurrence points to a more general sense of a settled place of abode.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔπαυλις (G1886, *epaulis*) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 1:20]]. In this passage, Peter addresses the gathered disciples concerning the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death. He quotes from the Psalms, stating, "For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it'; and 'Let another take his office.'" The phrase "his habitation become desolate" is a direct quotation from [[Psalm 69:25]] (LXX, translating the Hebrew `{{H2918}}` *naveh*).
In this context, *epaulis* refers to Judas's dwelling place, which is prophesied to become desolate. This desolation signifies not merely the abandonment of a physical residence but, more profoundly, the complete and irreversible removal of Judas from his position and standing among the apostles. The "habitation" here functions as a metonymy for his former life, status, and participation in the apostolic ministry. Its desolation underscores the divine judgment pronounced upon his treachery, leaving his "place" (τόπος, `{{G5117}}`) vacant for another to fill, as the subsequent part of the prophecy indicates. Thus, *epaulis* in [[Acts 1:20]] carries the weight of prophetic fulfillment concerning the consequences of apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek and Hebrew terms illuminate the semantic field of *epaulis*.
* **`{{G833}}` αὐλή (*aulē*)**: The root word from which *epaulis* is derived. *Aulē* itself has a range of meanings, including "courtyard," "sheepfold," "palace," or a "house" as a whole. The prefix ἐπί (*epi*) in *epaulis* adds the nuance of "over" or "upon," suggesting a protective covering or structure.
* **`{{G3613}}` οἰκία (*oikia*) and `{{G3624}}` οἶκος (*oikos*)**: These are more common and broader terms for "house," "household," or "family." While *epaulis* refers to a dwelling, *oikos* can also denote a lineage, a temple, or a spiritual household. *Epaulis* is more specific to the physical place of dwelling.
* **`{{G4636}}` σκηνή (*skēnē*) and `{{G4638}}` σκήνωμα (*skēnōma*)**: These terms refer to a "tent" or "tabernacle," often implying a temporary dwelling. While *epaulis* can suggest a "hut," it does not inherently carry the connotation of temporariness as strongly as *skēnē*.
* **`{{H2918}}` נָוֶה (*naveh*)**: This is the Hebrew word in [[Psalm 69:25]] that *epaulis* translates in the Septuagint. *Naveh* means "habitation," "dwelling-place," or "pasture," often referring to a settled abode or a place where flocks rest. Its use in the Psalm, and subsequently in Acts, emphasizes the complete abandonment or destruction of a place of residence and security.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ἔπαυλις (G1886) in [[Acts 1:20]] holds significant theological weight, primarily due to its context as a divine prophecy concerning Judas Iscariot. The "desolation of his habitation" signifies a profound judgment, not merely upon a physical structure but upon the entire standing and legacy of one who betrayed the Son of God.
1. **Divine Judgment and Prophetic Fulfillment:** The use of *epaulis* here underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the fate of the wicked. God's justice is meticulously enacted, even in the details of a betrayer's "habitation" becoming desolate. This reinforces the sovereignty of God over human actions and consequences.
2. **Loss of Spiritual Standing:** While literally a dwelling, in this context, *epaulis* represents Judas's "place" among the apostles, his spiritual and authoritative position. Its desolation signifies a complete and irreversible removal from that sacred calling. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of apostasy and unfaithfulness, where one's "habitation" (place of belonging and security within God's people) can be utterly lost.
3. **The Contrast with God's Dwelling:** The concept of "habitation" is central to biblical theology, often referring to God's dwelling among His people (e.g., the Tabernacle, the Temple, and ultimately, the Church as the dwelling of the Spirit). In stark contrast to God's desire for His people to have a secure and eternal "habitation" with Him (cf. [[John 14:2-3]], [[Revelation 21:3]]), Judas's *epaulis* becomes desolate, symbolizing his exclusion from the divine presence and community.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔπαυλις (G1886, *epaulis*) denotes a "dwelling" or "habitation," stemming from the idea of a protective structure "over the head." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 1:20]] is profoundly significant, where it translates the Hebrew `{{H2918}}` *naveh* from [[Psalm 69:25]]. In this passage, "Let his habitation become desolate" refers to the prophetic judgment upon Judas Iscariot. Theologically, *epaulis* in this context symbolizes not just a physical dwelling but the complete and irreversible loss of Judas's spiritual standing and apostolic position due to his betrayal, serving as a powerful testament to divine justice and the dire consequences of apostasy.
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