### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Epikoúreios**, represented by `{{G1946}}`, refers to **an Epicurean or follower of Epicurus**. It appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies a member of a specific school of Greek philosophy encountered by the apostle Paul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G1946}}` is in [[Acts 17:18]], which describes Paul's ministry in Athens. There, certain **philosophers** `{{G5386}}` of the **Epicureans** and the **Stoicks** `{{G4770}}` encountered him. Their reaction to his message was mixed and skeptical. Some dismissed him, asking, "What will this **babbler** `{{G4691}}` **say** `{{G3004}}`?" Others perceived him as a "**setter forth** `{{G2604}}` of strange **gods** `{{G1140}}`," because he **preached** `{{G2097}}` to them about **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the encounter with the Epicureans:
* `{{G5386}}` **philósophos** (philosopher): This term, meaning fond of wise things, is used to describe the **Epicureans** and Stoicks who debated with Paul in Athens [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4770}}` **Stōïkós** (Stoick): These philosophers are mentioned in direct conjunction with the **Epicureans** as part of the group that questioned Paul's teaching [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4691}}` **spermológos** (babbler): This word, literally a "seed-picker," was used by some philosophers to derisively label Paul, suggesting his message was nothing more than a random collection of ideas [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G2097}}` **euangelízō** (to announce good news): This describes the action that prompted the interaction, as Paul's purpose was to **preach** the gospel of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` [[Acts 17:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1946}}` is found in the contrast it presents to the Gospel message.
* **A Clash of Worldviews:** The mention of **Epicureans** frames a direct confrontation between the philosophies of the age and the revelation of God in Christ. The philosophers' questions highlight the tension between human wisdom and the message of the cross [[Acts 17:18]].
* **Misunderstanding of the Resurrection:** The Epicurean and Stoic **philosophers** `{{G5386}}` interpreted Paul's teaching on **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}` as the introduction of "strange **gods** `{{G1140}}`," failing to grasp the concept of a single resurrected Lord.
* **The Gospel to All People:** The encounter demonstrates that the gospel is to be **preached** `{{G2097}}` to all, including intellectual and philosophical circles who may initially respond with scorn, calling the messenger a **babbler** `{{G4691}}` [[Acts 17:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1946}}` is a specific cultural and philosophical label whose biblical importance comes entirely from its single appearance in [[Acts 17:18]]. It serves to identify one of the groups that challenged Paul in Athens, thereby providing a clear example of how the Gospel, centered on **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`, was perceived and often misunderstood by the prevailing philosophies of the day.
TRV