from ἐπιμελέομαι; carefulness, i.e. kind attention (hospitality):--+ refresh self.
Transliteration:epiméleia
Pronunciation:ep-ee-mel'-i-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπιμέλεια (epiméleia, `{{G1958}}`) is derived from the verb ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeléomai, `{{G1959}}`), which means "to take care of," "to have a concern for," or "to look after." Consequently, epiméleia itself signifies "carefulness," "diligent attention," "solicitous concern," or "forethought." Its semantic range extends to encompass the practical outworking of such care, specifically "kind attention" and "hospitality." The nuances embedded in its definition, such as "refresh self," suggest that this careful attention is directed towards the provision of needs, leading to the well-being and restoration of the recipient. It denotes a focused, active concern for another's welfare.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun ἐπιμέλεια (epiméleia, `{{G1958}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 27:3]]. The context describes Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome: "The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul kindly (φιλανθρώπως), and gave him liberty to go to his friends to receive care (τυχεῖν ἐπιμελείας)."
In this specific instance, the centurion Julius, demonstrating a humane disposition (φιλανθρώπως), grants Paul the freedom to seek epiméleia from his friends. This "care" clearly refers to practical provisions, such as food, lodging, and perhaps medical attention or emotional support, that friends would offer to someone in need, especially a prisoner on a long journey. It exemplifies the "kind attention" and "hospitality" aspects of the word's definition, highlighting the active, compassionate provision of needs. The phrase "to receive care" (τυχεῖν ἐπιμελείας) underscores the tangible benefit derived from this diligent attention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeléomai, `{{G1959}}`), from which epiméleia is derived. This verb appears twice in the New Testament:
* In [[Luke 10:34-35]], in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan "took care of him" (ἐπεμελήσατο αὐτοῦ) by binding his wounds, taking him to an inn, and then instructing the innkeeper, "take care of him" (ἐπιμελήθητι αὐτοῦ), promising to pay for any additional expenses. This illustrates a profound, sacrificial, and sustained commitment to the well-being of a stranger in distress.
* In [[1 Timothy 3:5]], Paul asks, "if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of (ἐπιμελήσεται) God’s church?" Here, the verb signifies responsible oversight, diligent management, and pastoral concern for the spiritual household of God.
Other related concepts in the semantic field of care, compassion, and hospitality include:
* φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia, `{{G5363}}`): "love of mankind," "benevolence," often translated as "kindness" or "humanity." The adverb φιλανθρώπως describes Julius's action in [[Acts 27:3]], providing the motivation for the epiméleia.
* ξενία (xenia, `{{G3578}}`): "hospitality," "lodging."
* φροντίς (phrontis, `{{G5431}}`): "care," "thought," "concern."
* προνοέω (pronoeō, `{{G4306}}`): "to take thought beforehand," "to provide for."
### Theological Significance
Though ἐπιμέλεια (epiméleia, `{{G1958}}`) appears only once as a noun, its connection to the verb ἐπιμελέομαι (`{{G1959}}`) imbues it with significant theological weight. It speaks to a fundamental aspect of biblical ethics: the practical demonstration of love and compassion towards others.
In [[Acts 27:3]], the provision of epiméleia to Paul, a prisoner, exemplifies the humaneness and kindness that should characterize interactions, even between those in authority and the vulnerable. This act of care transcends legal obligations, pointing to a higher principle of benevolence.
More profoundly, the verb ἐπιμελέομαι in the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:34-35]]) elevates epiméleia to a core component of neighborly love. The Samaritan's "care" was not merely emotional sympathy but involved costly, active, and sustained provision for the injured man's needs. This serves as a paradigm for Christian service, demonstrating that true love is expressed through diligent, practical attention to the suffering and needy.
Furthermore, in [[1 Timothy 3:5]], the "care" (ἐπιμελήσεται) required of a church leader underscores the concept of responsible stewardship and pastoral oversight. It implies a diligent, thoughtful, and active concern for the spiritual and practical welfare of the community.
Thus, epiméleia encapsulates the biblical call to tangible acts of love, compassion, and responsible stewardship. It reflects God's own meticulous care for His creation and His people, and it serves as a model for how believers are to manifest His love in the world through concrete acts of service and provision.
### Summary
ἐπιμέλεια (epiméleia, `{{G1958}}`) denotes careful, diligent attention, specifically manifesting as kind assistance and hospitality. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:3]] illustrates the practical provision of needs and compassionate oversight extended to Paul, a prisoner, by his friends through the allowance of a humane centurion. The word's deeper theological resonance is drawn from its root verb ἐπιμελέομαι (`{{G1959}}`), which powerfully describes the sacrificial and sustained care of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:34-35]]) and the responsible, diligent oversight required of church leaders ([[1 Timothy 3:5]]). Theologically, epiméleia underscores the imperative for believers to engage in practical, tangible acts of love and service, reflecting God's own compassionate care for humanity and embodying the essence of true neighborly love and responsible stewardship.
TRV