### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπιβουλή (epiboulḗ, `{{G1917}}`) is derived from a presumed compound of the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "against," and the verb βούλομαι (boulomai, `{{G1014}}`), meaning "to will" or "to plan." This etymological root immediately conveys the core meaning: a plan or counsel directed *against* someone. Thus, ἐπιβουλή denotes a hostile design, a treacherous scheme, or a malicious plot. Its semantic range encompasses concepts such as conspiracy, ambush, or "laying in wait" with ill intent. Unlike a neutral βουλή (boulē, `{{G1012}}`) which signifies a general plan or counsel, ἐπιβουλή inherently carries a negative and often dangerous connotation, implying premeditated harm or obstruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπιβουλή appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both within the book of Acts, and both times in connection with plots against the Apostle Paul:
1. **[[Acts 9:24]]**: "but their plot (ἡ ἐπιβουλή) became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him." Here, following Paul's conversion and bold preaching in Damascus, the Jews conspired to kill him. The ἐπιβουλή describes a specific, lethal intention, necessitating Paul's escape by being lowered in a basket through the wall. This instance highlights the immediate and life-threatening danger posed by those opposed to the gospel message.
2. **[[Acts 20:3]]**: "and when he had spent three months there, and a plot (ἐπιβουλή) was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia." This second occurrence again details a conspiracy by Jewish factions, this time in Greece, aimed at Paul's life as he prepared for a sea voyage. The discovery of this ἐπιβουλή forced Paul to alter his travel plans, demonstrating the disruptive and dangerous nature of such malicious designs.
In both contexts, ἐπιβουλή consistently refers to a premeditated, hostile scheme, specifically a "laying in wait" or "ambush" intended to inflict harm, likely death, upon Paul. The consistent perpetrators are "the Jews" (referring to those who actively opposed the Christian message), and the consistent target is Paul, highlighting the persistent and severe opposition faced by early Christian missionaries. The term underscores the insidious nature of these threats, often involving covert surveillance and strategic positioning for an attack.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐπιβουλή shares semantic space with several other Greek terms and concepts related to hostile intent and action:
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`)**: "deceit, guile, treachery." While ἐπιβουλή refers to the plot itself, δόλος often describes the deceptive means by which such a plot might be executed.
* **ἐνέδρα (enedra, `{{G1749}}`)**: "ambush, lying in wait." This term is very close in meaning and often interchangeable in English translation, emphasizing the physical act of setting a trap. ἐπιβουλή can encompass the broader plan, while ἐνέδρα focuses on the specific execution of the ambush.
* **συνωμοσία (synōmosia, `{{G4963}}`)**: "conspiracy, secret oath." While not found in the New Testament, this classical Greek term directly denotes a conspiracy, which is the broader category under which ἐπιβουλή falls.
* **μισέω (miseō, `{{G3404}}`)**: "to hate." The underlying emotion driving an ἐπιβουλή is often intense hatred towards the target or their message.
* **διωγμός (diōgmos, `{{G1375}}`)**: "persecution." ἐπιβουλή is a specific form of persecution, representing a deliberate and often covert attempt to harm or eliminate an opponent.
Conversely, ἐπιβουλή stands in stark contrast to concepts like peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`), truth (ἀλήθεια, alētheia, `{{G225}}`), and open, benevolent interaction.
### Theological Significance
The presence of ἐπιβουλή in the biblical narrative, particularly in the life of Paul, carries significant theological weight:
1. **The Reality of Evil and Opposition**: ἐπιβουλή serves as a stark reminder of the reality of human malice and the insidious nature of evil. It demonstrates that opposition to God's will and His messengers is not always overt confrontation but can manifest as premeditated, hidden schemes. These plots are a clear sign of the spiritual warfare engaged by believers, where the "prince of this world" works through human agents to hinder the spread of the gospel.
2. **Divine Providence and Protection**: Despite the severity of these "layings in wait," Paul was consistently delivered from them. In [[Acts 9:25]], he escapes; in [[Acts 20:3]], his plans are altered, preventing harm. This underscores God's sovereign hand in protecting His servants and ensuring that His redemptive purposes are not ultimately thwarted by human treachery. The existence of ἐπιβουλή highlights the danger, but God's intervention highlights His faithfulness and power.
3. **The Cost of Discipleship**: The repeated occurrences of ἐπιβουλή against Paul illustrate the inherent dangers and opposition faced by those who faithfully proclaim Christ. It resonates with Jesus' warnings that His followers would be hated and persecuted for His name's sake ([[Matthew 10:22]]). It reminds believers that commitment to the gospel may involve facing hostile and even life-threatening plots.
4. **The Nature of Unbelief**: The actions of those forming the ἐπιβουλή against Paul reveal the depths of unbelief and resistance to divine truth. Rather than engaging with Paul's message, they resort to violence and deception, signifying a hardened heart and a rejection of God's grace.
### Summary
The Greek term ἐπιβουλή (epiboulḗ, `{{G1917}}`) denotes a hostile, premeditated plot, a treacherous scheme, or "laying in wait" with malicious intent. Its two New Testament occurrences, both in the book of Acts, exclusively describe life-threatening conspiracies orchestrated by Jewish factions against the Apostle Paul. These instances vividly illustrate the severe and persistent opposition faced by the early church and its missionaries. Theologically, ἐπιβουλή serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of human malice and the insidious nature of evil forces at work against God's kingdom. Yet, crucially, it also underscores the unwavering divine providence and protection extended to God's servants, demonstrating that while such plots may arise, they ultimately cannot thwart God's sovereign plan. It thereby highlights both the cost of faithful discipleship and the ultimate triumph of divine purpose over human treachery.
TRV