from ἐπιλύω; explanation, i.e. application:--interpretation.
Transliteration:epílysis
Pronunciation:ep-il'-oo-sis
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun epílysis (`{{G1955}}`) is derived from the verb epilyō (`{{G1956}}`), which carries the core sense of "to loose upon," "to untie," "to solve," or "to explain." As a noun, epílysis therefore denotes the act or result of "untying" a complex matter, leading to an "explanation," "solution," or "interpretation." Its semantic range encompasses the clarification of something obscure, the resolution of a difficulty, or the unfolding of a meaning. The underlying idea is to bring clarity and understanding to that which is otherwise difficult to grasp.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term epílysis (`{{G1955}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making its single occurrence highly significant for its theological import.
* **[[2 Peter 1:20]]**: "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (epílysis)."
In this pivotal verse, Peter addresses the nature and authority of prophetic Scripture. The phrase "private interpretation" (ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως, *idías epilyseōs*) refers not to an individual's personal application of a prophecy, but rather to the *origin* or *source* of the prophecy's meaning. The context, especially the following verse ([[2 Peter 1:21]]), clarifies that "prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Therefore, the epílysis of prophecy—its inherent meaning and authoritative explanation—does not stem from human ingenuity, subjective reasoning, or personal insight. Instead, its meaning is intrinsic to its divine origin, revealed by the same Holy Spirit who inspired it. This verse serves as a crucial safeguard against arbitrary or self-derived understandings of God's revealed truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek terms and theological concepts illuminate the meaning of epílysis (`{{G1955}}`):
* **epilyō (`{{G1956}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to explain," "to solve," or "to interpret." Its use in Acts 19:39, "it shall be determined (ἐπιλυθήσεται) in a lawful assembly," further illustrates the sense of resolving a matter.
* **lýō (`{{G3089}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to loose," "to untie," or "to release." The prefix epi- (upon, in addition) intensifies or specifies the action of loosening, leading to the sense of unraveling a mystery.
* **hermēneía (`{{G2058}}`):** Meaning "interpretation" or "translation," often used in the context of interpreting tongues ([[1 Corinthians 12:10]], [[1 Corinthians 14:26]]). While similar, epílysis in 2 Peter 1:20 focuses on the *source* of meaning rather than merely the act of explaining or translating.
* **diermēneúō (`{{G1329}}`):** "To interpret thoroughly," "to explain fully."
* **Prophecy:** The specific subject of epílysis in [[2 Peter 1:20]]. The concept inherently links to divine inspiration (theopneustos, God-breathed, [[2 Timothy 3:16]]) and the authoritative nature of God's Word.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of epílysis (`{{G1955}}`) in [[2 Peter 1:20]] carries profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of Scripture:
1. **Divine Authority of Scripture:** It asserts that prophetic Scripture is not of human origin or subject to human control regarding its ultimate meaning. Its authority is inherent in its divine source, not in any human interpreter.
2. **Inspiration and Inerrancy:** The verse undergirds the doctrine of divine inspiration. Since prophecy did not originate from human will but from the Holy Spirit ([[2 Peter 1:21]]), its true meaning is likewise Spirit-given and not subject to subjective human redefinition. This implies an objective, unified meaning for Scripture, guarded by God Himself.
3. **Unity of Prophetic Truth:** By denying "private interpretation," Peter implicitly affirms that God's prophetic word possesses a coherent and unified meaning, intended by the Divine Author. This guards against fragmented, contradictory, or self-serving interpretations that arise from human bias or limited perspective.
4. **Role of the Holy Spirit:** The passage highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in both the giving and the understanding of Scripture. The Spirit who inspired the prophets is also the one who illuminates their words, ensuring that their true meaning is preserved and revealed.
5. **Humility in Biblical Interpretation:** It calls believers to approach Scripture, especially prophecy, with humility and reverence, recognizing that its deepest truths are not self-evident to the unassisted human mind but are divinely revealed. It cautions against intellectual arrogance or the imposition of personal biases onto the sacred text.
### Summary
The Greek word epílysis (`{{G1955}}`) signifies "explanation" or "interpretation," stemming from the verb meaning "to untie" or "to solve." Its single, yet crucial, appearance in [[2 Peter 1:20]] declares that "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation." In this context, epílysis does not refer to personal application, but to the *source* or *origin* of prophetic meaning. Theologically, this verse profoundly asserts the divine authority and inspiration of Scripture, emphasizing that prophetic truth does not originate from human intellect or subjective reasoning, but from the Holy Spirit. It underscores the unified, Spirit-given meaning of God's Word and calls believers to a humble, Spirit-dependent approach to understanding divine revelation, safeguarding against humanly contrived or arbitrary interpretations.
TRV