middle voice from ἐπί and the same as μέλω; to care for (physically or otherwise):--take care of.
Transliteration:epimeléomai
Pronunciation:ep-ee-mel-eh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1959}}` (epimeléomai) is derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "over," and the verb μέλω (melō), meaning "to be a care" or "to concern oneself." The middle voice construction indicates that the subject is personally involved in the action, often for their own benefit or with a strong personal interest. Thus, `{{G1959}}` signifies a diligent, attentive, and responsible form of "caring for" or "taking care of." It goes beyond mere casual concern, implying active oversight, provision, and protection. The base definition "to care for (physically or otherwise)" accurately captures its semantic breadth, encompassing both tangible acts of provision and broader management or superintendence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Despite its rich semantic range, `{{G1959}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a profound insight into its meaning:
1. **[[Luke 10:34]]**: In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, after binding the wounds of the man who fell among robbers, the Samaritan brings him to an inn and declares, "and took care of him" (ἐπεμελήθη αὐτοῦ). Here, `{{G1959}}` denotes compassionate, active, and personal physical care. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate practical love, involving not only immediate first aid but also ongoing provision (lodging, sustenance) and commitment, as he promises to pay any further expenses upon his return. This usage emphasizes diligent, self-sacrificial service to one in need.
2. **[[1 Timothy 3:5]]**: Paul, outlining the qualifications for an overseer (episkopos), states, "for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" (πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται;). In this context, `{{G1959}}` refers to the responsible oversight, management, and nurturing of a community—first the household, then the church. It implies a stewardship that encompasses order, discipline, spiritual well-being, and overall administration. The "care" here is not primarily physical in the same way as in Luke, but rather organizational, pastoral, and spiritual, demanding wisdom, integrity, and diligence from the leader.
These two occurrences, though few, highlight the versatility of `{{G1959}}`, applying it to both compassionate aid for an individual and responsible leadership over a community. In both cases, the core meaning of diligent, active, and personal attention remains central.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with `{{G1959}}`, enriching our understanding of its specific nuances:
* **`{{G3199}}` (melō)**: The root verb, meaning "to be a care" or "to concern." `{{G1959}}` adds the prefix ἐπί, intensifying the sense of direct, active involvement and oversight.
* **`{{G1960}}` (epiméleia)**: The related noun, meaning "care," "diligence," or "attention." This noun form reinforces the concept of careful, deliberate application of effort.
* **`{{G5431}}` (phrontízō)**: "To be thoughtful," "to care for," "to have concern." While similar, `{{G1959}}` often implies a more practical, hands-on, and sustained form of care.
* **`{{G4165}}` (poimainō)**: "To shepherd," "to tend a flock." This word is frequently used metaphorically for spiritual leadership, especially of elders/pastors, encompassing feeding, guiding, and protecting the flock. There is a strong conceptual link to the "caring for the church" in [[1 Timothy 3:5]].
* **`{{G4291}}` (proïstēmi)**: "To rule," "to manage," "to preside over." This verb is also used in contexts of household and church leadership (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:4]], [[1 Timothy 5:17]]), emphasizing the administrative and leadership aspects of "caring for" a community, much like `{{G1959}}` in [[1 Timothy 3:5]].
* **`{{G1247}}` (diakoneō)**: "To serve," "to minister." While `{{G1959}}` focuses on the *act of caring*, `{{G1247}}` emphasizes the *service* rendered. The Good Samaritan's actions certainly involve *diakoneō* as well as *epimeléomai*.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent occurrences of `{{G1959}}` carry significant theological weight:
1. **Ethic of Compassion**: In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, `{{G1959}}` elevates "taking care of" to a foundational ethical imperative. It exemplifies the practical outworking of love for one's neighbor, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. This care is not merely sympathetic feeling but active, costly, and sustained intervention on behalf of the vulnerable. It mirrors the divine compassion that seeks out and restores the broken.
2. **Stewardship in Leadership**: In [[1 Timothy 3:5]], `{{G1959}}` underscores the profound responsibility inherent in spiritual leadership. The care of God's church is likened to the diligent management of one's own household, implying order, provision, instruction, and protection. This "care" is not about authoritarian control but about nurturing the spiritual and practical well-being of the community. It highlights that effective spiritual leadership is rooted in proven faithfulness in smaller, more intimate spheres of responsibility.
3. **Holistic Care**: The two uses collectively demonstrate that "care" in the biblical sense is holistic. It encompasses both the immediate, physical needs of an individual (Luke) and the long-term, multifaceted needs of a community (1 Timothy), including spiritual, relational, and organizational aspects. This reflects a divine concern for the whole person and the whole body of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1959}}` (epimeléomai) signifies a profound and active form of "caring for" or "taking care of," characterized by diligence, personal involvement, and responsible oversight. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its usage in the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:34]]) and in the qualifications for an overseer ([[1 Timothy 3:5]]) reveals its dual significance. In Luke, it exemplifies compassionate, physical aid given to a stranger in need, highlighting radical love for one's neighbor. In 1 Timothy, it denotes the diligent and responsible management required of those who lead God's church, emphasizing a stewardship that mirrors faithful household leadership. `{{G1959}}` thus encapsulates a vital aspect of Christian ethics and ecclesiology: the active, comprehensive, and sacrificial attention to the well-being of others, whether individuals or communities, reflecting a quality of care that mirrors divine providence.
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