from ἐπί and αὐτός and (the dative case singular of) a derivative of (a thief); in theft itself, i.e. (by analogy) in actual crime:--in the very act.
Transliteration:epautophṓrōi
Pronunciation:ep-ow-tof-o'-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, `{{G1888}}`) is a compound term, functioning as an adverbial phrase, literally meaning "in the very act of theft" or "caught in the act." It is formed from three components: the preposition ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon" or "at"; the reflexive pronoun αὐτός (autós, `{{G846}}`), meaning "self" or "same"; and a dative singular form derived from φώρ (phōr), meaning "thief." The literal sense, therefore, points to being apprehended "upon the very thief" or "in the very act of thievery." By extension, its semantic range expands to encompass being caught "in the very act" of any crime or transgression, emphasizing the undeniable and immediate nature of the apprehension. It signifies an undeniable, witnessed state of guilt, leaving no room for dispute regarding the commission of the act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, `{{G1888}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal narrative found in [[John 8:4]]. Here, the scribes and Pharisees present a woman to Jesus, stating: "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery." The phrase "in the very act" (ἐπαυτοφώρῳ) is crucial to understanding the accusers' intent. It underscores the undeniable nature of the woman's transgression according to the Mosaic Law (cf. [[Leviticus 20:10]], [[Deuteronomy 22:22-24]]). By emphasizing that she was apprehended "in the very act" (ἐπαυτοφώρῳ), they sought to remove any doubt about her guilt, thereby forcing Jesus into a direct confrontation with the Law and their predetermined judgment. Their aim was not justice for the woman, but rather to trap Jesus: if He condoned stoning, He would violate Roman law; if He showed mercy, He would appear to disregard the Law of Moses. The immediacy implied by ἐπαυτοφώρῳ sets the stage for Jesus' profound response, which transcends legalistic accusation and exposes the hypocrisy of the accusers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, `{{G1888}}`) link it to several related concepts. The root φώρ (phōr) is related to κλέπτης (kleptēs, `{{G2812}}`), a more common word for "thief" or "robber," highlighting the original association with theft. The prefix ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`) denotes proximity or immediate action, reinforcing the sense of "on the spot." The reflexive αὐτός (autós, `{{G846}}`) emphasizes the self-same moment of the offense.
The context of [[John 8:4]] connects ἐπαυτοφώρῳ directly to the concept of μοιχεύω (moicheuō, `{{G3431}}`), "to commit adultery," and more broadly to ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`), "sin." It also relates to legalistic accusations, κατηγορέω (katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`), and the concept of κρίσις (krisis, `{{G2920}}`), "judgment." The phrase highlights the human desire for undeniable evidence and swift, often harsh, judgment based on visible transgression.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, `{{G1888}}`) in [[John 8:4]] carries significant theological weight. It serves to underscore the undeniable nature of the woman's sin from a legal and human perspective, setting up the dramatic contrast with Jesus' divine perspective. The accusers use the word to present an airtight case, demanding a legalistic verdict. However, Jesus' response, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her" [[John 8:7]], shifts the focus from the woman's "in-the-act" sin to the "in-the-act" sinfulness of her accusers. While she was caught in a visible act of adultery, they were caught in the very act of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and attempting to entrap the Son of God. The word ἐπαυτοφώρῳ thus highlights the tension between the letter of the law and the spirit of grace, between human judgment and divine mercy. It sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His authority not as a judge condemning the guilty, but as a Savior who offers forgiveness and calls all to repentance, including those who believe themselves to be righteous.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, `{{G1888}}`) precisely conveys the meaning of being "caught in the very act" or "on the spot" while committing a transgression. Its sole biblical appearance in [[John 8:4]] is profoundly significant, as it establishes the undeniable nature of the woman's sin, providing the backdrop against which Jesus' revolutionary teaching on sin, judgment, and grace unfolds. The term highlights the accusers' legalistic precision and their attempt to corner Jesus, but ultimately serves to expose their own hidden sin and hypocrisy. Thus, ἐπαυτοφώρῳ, though rare, is a potent word that sets the stage for one of the most powerful displays of divine wisdom and compassion in the Gospels.
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