### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō, `{{G1930}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`) and a derivative of ὀρθός (orthos, `{{G3717}}`), meaning "straight" or "right." The prefix ἐπί often denotes "upon," "in addition to," "further," or "over." The root ὀρθός, when combined with the implied διά (dia, "through" or "thoroughly" as in διορθόω), conveys the idea of making something thoroughly straight or right. Thus, ἐπιδιορθόω carries the core meaning of "to straighten further," "to set right additionally," or "to complete the process of setting in order." It implies an action that builds upon or perfects a previous or ongoing effort of rectification, rather than initiating an order from scratch. The semantic range points towards a finishing or perfecting touch in organization or correction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This particular verb, ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō, `{{G1930}}`), appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Titus 1:5]]. The Apostle Paul instructs Titus, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you." The phrase "set in order the things that are lacking" (τὰ λείποντα ἐπιδιορθώσῃ) is crucial. The term λείποντα (leiponta, from λείπω `{{G3007}}`) signifies "things left behind," "things deficient," or "things lacking." This indicates that Titus's mission was not to establish order where there was none at all, but rather to complete or perfect an existing, albeit incomplete, structure. Paul had already done foundational work in Crete, but there were still deficiencies or areas needing further organization. Specifically, the subsequent clause about appointing elders suggests that the "lacking things" primarily pertained to the establishment of proper leadership and ecclesiastical structure within the nascent churches on the island. Titus was to apply a corrective and perfecting hand to the church's order.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts shed light on the meaning of ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō, `{{G1930}}`):
* ὀρθός (orthos, `{{G3717}}`): The foundational root meaning "straight" or "right," emphasizing the desired state of order.
* διόρθωσις (diorthōsis, `{{G1357}}`): A noun meaning "reformation," "correction," or "amendment," found in [[Hebrews 9:10]] in the context of a "time of reformation." This word highlights the broader concept of setting things right.
* καθίστημι (kathistēmi, `{{G2525}}`): Meaning "to appoint," "to establish," or "to set in place." This verb is used in the very next clause of [[Titus 1:5]] regarding the appointment of elders, indicating the concrete action that ἐπιδιορθόω was meant to achieve.
* κοσμέω (kosmeō, `{{G2885}}`): "To arrange," "to adorn," or "to put in order." While broader, it shares the sense of bringing order and beauty.
* Concepts of order (τάξις), completion (τελειόω), and correction (ἐπανόρθωσις) are inherently linked to the work implied by ἐπιδιορθόω. It speaks to the ongoing need for the church to align itself with divine patterns and principles.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō, `{{G1930}}`) in [[Titus 1:5]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Desire for Order:** It underscores God's commitment to order and structure within His church. The Body of Christ is not to be chaotic but well-ordered, reflecting the character of God Himself, who is not a God of confusion but of peace ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]).
2. **Ongoing Nature of Church Formation:** The "further" or "additionally" aspect of the word highlights that the establishment of the church is often a progressive work. Even after initial evangelism and conversion, there remains a need for continued organization, maturation, and correction. This applies to both nascent churches and established ones, which always require vigilance against decline or deviation.
3. **Pastoral Responsibility and Oversight:** The command to Titus emphasizes the crucial role of apostolic delegates and, by extension, all spiritual leaders, in ensuring the health and integrity of local congregations. Leaders are not merely to initiate but to perfect and complete the work of setting the church in order, particularly concerning leadership and doctrine.
4. **Addressing Deficiencies:** The word acknowledges the reality of "lacking things" within the church. It is a realistic appraisal that even Spirit-filled communities can have deficiencies, whether in structure, leadership, or adherence to sound doctrine, which require diligent attention and rectification.
5. **Practical Outworking of Doctrine:** The "setting in order" is not merely an administrative task but is intrinsically tied to the practical outworking of sound doctrine and godly living within the community, as the remainder of the Epistle to Titus clearly demonstrates.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō, `{{G1930}}`) signifies the act of "setting in order further" or "additionally correcting." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Titus 1:5]] reveals its specific application to the ongoing and perfecting work of church organization and rectification. It underscores the divine expectation for order within the church, the continuous nature of its formation and refinement, and the vital responsibility of spiritual leaders to address deficiencies and ensure the proper establishment of leadership and sound doctrine. Theologically, ἐπιδιορθόω points to God's desire for a well-ordered church and the necessity for leaders to bring completion and perfection to the structural and doctrinal health of the body of Christ.
TRV