The Greek adverb epimelōs, represented by G1960, is defined as to act carefully or diligently. This specific term is found only 1 time in the entire Bible, appearing in 1 unique verse. Its rarity makes its single application particularly noteworthy.
The only use of G1960 occurs in Luke's Gospel, within the parable of the lost coin. In this story, a woman with ten pieces of silver loses one. Her response is not one of passive acceptance but of active and focused effort. The scripture states that she lights a candle, sweeps the house, and proceeds to seek diligently until she finds the lost piece Luke 15:8. The word epimelōs here qualifies the nature of her search, emphasizing its thorough and painstaking character.
Several related words found in the same context help to illuminate the meaning of a diligent search:
- G2212 zētéō: Meaning to seek, this is the action being performed diligently. This verb is used in commands for believers to seek the kingdom of God Matthew 6:33 and is central to Jesus's statement that the Son of man came "to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19:10.
- G4563 saróō: Defined as to sweep, this word describes a specific, methodical action taken by the woman to find her coin Luke 15:8. It is also used in the context of a house being found swept and garnished Matthew 12:44.
- G681 háptō: This word means to set on fire and is used here in the sense of to light a candle Luke 15:8. This is the preparatory step taken to ensure the search can be effective, enabling the woman to see into the dark corners of her house.
The theological weight of G1960 is derived entirely from its context in the parable. It illustrates the nature of God's pursuit of the lost.
- The Value of the Lost: The woman's careful and diligent search for a single coin demonstrates the immense value she places upon it. This mirrors the divine value placed on each lost individual.
- The Character of God's Search: By describing the search as diligent, the parable provides a model for understanding God's own redemptive mission. Jesus came "to seek" the lost Luke 19:10, and G1960 suggests this seeking is not casual but purposeful and exhaustive.
- A Model for Believers: The command for believers to "seek" (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9) is given greater depth by this example. The search for God and His kingdom is meant to be a diligent, careful, and active pursuit, just as the woman sought her lost coin.
In summary, while G1960 is used only once, its placement is highly significant. It modifies the verb "to seek" in a parable that directly illustrates the heart of God for the lost. The word epimelōs transforms a simple search into a powerful metaphor for divine redemption and a clear example of the focused spiritual pursuit required of believers. It demonstrates how a single adverb can convey a profound theological truth about the careful and tireless nature of God's love.
TRV