from ἐπί and λοιποί; left over, i.e. remaining:--rest.
Transliteration:epíloipos
Pronunciation:ep-il'-oy-pos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπίλοιπος (epíloipos, `{{G1954}}`) is a compound adjective derived from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the adjective λοιπός (loipós, `{{G3062}}`), meaning "remaining" or "the rest." Literally, it signifies "that which is left over" or "the remainder." Its core meaning denotes a portion or group that remains after some prior action, selection, or event has occurred. Semantically, it functions to identify the residual part of a whole, whether quantitatively or in terms of a group of people. While it can simply mean "the rest," its compound nature often subtly emphasizes the aspect of being "in addition to" or "upon" what has already been accounted for, suggesting a continuation or an extension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπίλοιπος (epíloipos, `{{G1954}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular occurrence particularly significant.
* **[[Acts 15:17]]**: "so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old."
This verse is part of James's pivotal speech at the Jerusalem Council, where he cites Amos 9:11-12 from the Septuagint (LXX). The context is the debate concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community and whether they must adhere to Mosaic Law. James argues for Gentile inclusion by demonstrating that it is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
In [[Acts 15:17]], "the rest of mankind" (τὸν ἐπίλοιπον τῶν ἀνθρώπων) refers to those outside of the initial, primary focus of God's covenant with Israel. It indicates the *remaining* portion of humanity, specifically the Gentiles, who are now, through Christ, brought into God's redemptive plan. This is not merely a generic "everyone else," but a divinely purposed remainder who will "seek the Lord." The phrase emphasizes that God's plan for salvation extends beyond the Jewish people to encompass all nations, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a restored Davidic kingdom that includes the Gentiles. It highlights the expansive nature of God's saving work, drawing in those previously considered "outside."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is λοιπός (loipós, `{{G3062}}`), the base word for ἐπίλοιπος. λοιπός is common in the New Testament and generally means "remaining," "the rest," or "the others." The prefix ἐπί (epí) in ἐπίλοιπος adds a nuance of "in addition to" or "upon," subtly distinguishing it from a mere generic remainder.
Other related terms that convey the idea of a remainder or remnant include:
* κατάλοιπος (katáloipos, `{{G2640}}`): Also meaning "the rest" or "the remainder," often used in the Septuagint for the remnant.
* ὑπολείπω (hypoleípō, `{{G5277}}`): A verb meaning "to leave behind" or "to be left over," from which the noun ὑπόλειμμα (hypóleimma, `{{G5278}}`, "remnant") is derived.
The concept of the "remnant" is deeply significant in biblical theology, particularly in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos) and subsequently in the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 9:27]], [[Romans 11:5]]). While ἐπίλοιπος itself is not the primary word for the "faithful remnant" (which often implies a preserved, chosen few *within* Israel), its usage in [[Acts 15:17]] connects it to the broader scope of God's redemptive plan that extends to the "remaining" part of humanity, the Gentiles, who are incorporated into the people of God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἐπίλοιπος (epíloipos, `{{G1954}}`) in [[Acts 15:17]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in its contribution to the understanding of Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan.
1. **Divine Initiative in Gentile Inclusion:** James's use of this term, within a prophetic quotation, underscores that the salvation of Gentiles is not an afterthought or an accidental development, but a pre-ordained part of God's eternal purpose. "The rest of mankind" seeking the Lord is a direct fulfillment of prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign initiative in drawing all peoples to Himself.
2. **Continuity of God's Plan:** By quoting Amos 9:11-12, James establishes a vital link between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament reality of the church. The "rebuilding of David's fallen tent" is interpreted as the establishment of the Christian community, which includes both Jews and Gentiles. ἐπίλοιπος thus highlights the continuity and expansive nature of God's covenant promises, now realized in Christ.
3. **Broadening of Salvation's Scope:** The phrase "the rest of mankind" directly challenges any narrow, ethnocentric view of salvation. It signifies that God's saving grace is not limited to a single nation but extends to all humanity. This universal scope of salvation, while not implying universalism, clearly indicates that God's intention is to gather people from every tribe and tongue into His kingdom.
4. **Theological Basis for Missions:** The recognition that "the rest of mankind" is meant to seek the Lord provides a strong theological impetus for the church's mission to the nations. If God's plan includes all peoples, then the church is called to participate in that divine mission by proclaiming the Gospel globally.
### Summary
ἐπίλοιπος (epíloipos, `{{G1954}}`) is a Greek adjective meaning "left over," "remaining," or "the rest." Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its sole occurrence in [[Acts 15:17]] is immensely significant. In James's speech at the Jerusalem Council, citing Amos 9:11-12, "the rest of mankind" (τὸν ἐπίλοιπον τῶν ἀνθρώπων) refers to the Gentiles who are brought into God's redemptive plan alongside the Jewish people. This usage underscores the divine initiative in the inclusion of Gentiles, demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant promises from the Old Testament to the New, and highlighting the universal scope of salvation. The term thus serves as a powerful linguistic anchor for the theological truth that God's saving grace extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, drawing the "remainder" of humanity into a relationship with Him.
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