### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἐπίγειος (epígeios), Strong's number `{{G1919}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon" or "on," and the noun γῆ (gē), meaning "earth" or "land." Literally, therefore, it signifies "upon the earth," "of the earth," or "earthly." Its primary semantic range encompasses two main dimensions:
1. **Physical/Literal:** Referring to things that exist on or pertain to the physical earth, distinguishing them from celestial or subterranean entities.
2. **Moral/Figurative:** Denoting that which is worldly, temporal, human-centered, carnal, or fallen, often in contrast to what is heavenly, spiritual, divine, or eternal. This moral sense carries a negative connotation, implying a focus on the transient rather than the transcendent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπίγειος appears several times in the New Testament, revealing its dual application:
* **Physical Distinction:** In [[1 Corinthians 15:40]], Paul uses ἐπίγειος to distinguish between "celestial bodies" (οὐράνια σώματα) and "terrestrial bodies" (ἐπίγεια σώματα), referring to different categories of physical entities in creation. Similarly, [[Philippians 2:10]] speaks of every knee bowing at the name of Jesus, "of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth," where "things in earth" (ἐπιγείων) denotes the inhabitants or entities of the earthly realm.
* **Moral and Spiritual Contrast (Human Nature):** In [[1 Corinthians 15:49]], ἐπίγειος takes on a more profound theological meaning. Paul states, "And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." Here, "the earthly" (τοῦ ἐπιγείου) refers to the mortal, perishable nature inherited from Adam, the first man, who was "of the dust of the ground" ([[Genesis 2:7]]). This stands in stark contrast to "the heavenly" (τοῦ ἐπουρανίου), which represents the resurrected, spiritual, and imperishable nature of Christ.
* **Moral and Spiritual Condemnation (Worldly Mindset):** The most ethically charged uses of ἐπίγειος are found in [[Philippians 3:19]] and [[James 3:15]].
* In [[Philippians 3:19]], Paul describes those whose "God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες). Here, "earthly things" (τὰ ἐπίγεια) refers to carnal desires, worldly ambitions, and a preoccupation with temporal matters that are antithetical to the pursuit of Christ and heavenly realities. It describes a mindset rooted in the fallen world system.
* [[James 3:15]] presents a sharp contrast between true wisdom and false wisdom: "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." The wisdom described as "earthly" (ἐπίγειος) is not divine in origin but is rooted in human fallenness, characterized by selfish ambition and envy. It is contrasted with the "wisdom from above" (ἄνωθεν σοφία), which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy ([[James 3:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐπίγειος is often illuminated by its relationship to other biblical terms:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* οὐράνιος (ouranios - heavenly, celestial) `{{G3770}}`: The most direct antonym, frequently used in opposition to ἐπίγειος (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:40]], [[1 Corinthians 15:49]]).
* ἄνωθεν (anōthen - from above) `{{G509}}`: Contrasted with "earthly" in [[James 3:15]] to distinguish divine wisdom from worldly wisdom.
* πνευματικός (pneumatikos - spiritual) `{{G4152}}`: While not a direct antonym, the "spiritual" is implicitly contrasted with the "earthly" in its moral sense, particularly in discussions of the new nature in Christ.
* **Related Concepts (Negative Connotation):**
* σαρκικός (sarkikos - fleshly, carnal) `{{G4559}}`: Often describes the nature of the "earthly" when it refers to fallen human desires and priorities.
* κοσμικός (kosmikos - worldly, pertaining to the world) `{{G2886}}`: Shares the sense of being focused on the temporal and secular rather than the divine.
* φρονέω (phroneō - to set one's mind on) `{{G5426}}`: Used in [[Philippians 3:19]] to describe the act of being preoccupied with "earthly things."
* The concept of σάρξ (sarx - flesh) `{{G4561}}`, particularly when referring to the fallen human nature in opposition to the Spirit, is closely linked to the moral implications of *epígeios*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπίγειος is profound, underscoring several key biblical doctrines:
* **The Duality of Creation and Existence:** The term highlights a fundamental distinction in biblical cosmology between the earthly realm (physical, temporal) and the heavenly realm (spiritual, eternal). This is not a Gnostic denigration of matter but rather a recognition of the inherent limitations and, post-Fall, the corrupted nature of the earthly sphere when viewed in isolation from God.
* **The Fallen Human Condition:** In its moral sense, ἐπίγειος speaks to the impact of the Fall on human nature and priorities. Humanity, originating from the dust of the earth ([[Genesis 2:7]]), bears an "earthly" image that is mortal and prone to sin. The "earthly" wisdom and "earthly" mindset described in James and Philippians are direct consequences of this fallen state, prioritizing self and temporal gratification over God and eternal truth.
* **The Call to Transcendent Living:** The consistent contrast with "heavenly" or "from above" serves as a theological imperative for believers. Christians are called to transcend an "earthly" focus, to set their minds on "things above, not on things on the earth" ([[Colossians 3:2]]). This involves a radical reorientation of values, desires, and wisdom, moving from the carnal and temporal to the spiritual and eternal. It signifies a transformation from the Adamic nature to the Christ-like nature.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The discussion in [[1 Corinthians 15]] points to the eschatological transformation of the body. The "earthly" body, subject to decay and death, will be raised as a "heavenly" body, imperishable and glorious. This signifies the ultimate triumph over the limitations and fallenness associated with the "earthly."
### Summary
The Greek term ἐπίγειος (epígeios) fundamentally means "of the earth" or "earthly," rooted in its etymology from ἐπί (upon) and γῆ (earth). Its semantic range extends from a literal description of things existing on the physical globe ([[1 Corinthians 15:40]], [[Philippians 2:10]]) to a powerful moral and spiritual designation. In its moral sense, ἐπίγειος denotes that which is worldly, temporal, carnal, or human-centered, standing in direct opposition to the heavenly, spiritual, or divine ([[Philippians 3:19]], [[James 3:15]]). Theologically, it highlights the fallen human condition and the call for believers to transcend an "earthly" mindset, aspiring to heavenly realities and the transformative power of Christ, who will ultimately transform our "earthly" bodies into "heavenly" ones.
TRV