### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἐπιμελῶς (epimelōs, `{{G1960}}`) is derived from the verb ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai, `{{G1959}}`), which signifies "to take care of" or "to have a concern for." The prefix ἐπι- (epi-) often intensifies the action or directs it "upon" something, suggesting focused and dedicated attention. Therefore, ἐπιμελῶς fundamentally means "carefully," "diligently," "with painstaking attention," or "with great care." It denotes an action performed with thoroughness, precision, and a high degree of concern for the outcome, implying not merely the act itself, but the quality of its execution—that it is done well and attentively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb ἐπιμελῶς (epimelōs, `{{G1960}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly illustrative:
* **[[Luke 15:8]]**: "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search *carefully* until she finds it?"
* **Context**: This verse is part of the Parable of the Lost Coin, one of three parables in Luke 15 (alongside the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son) that collectively illuminate God's zealous pursuit of the lost and the heavenly rejoicing over their repentance.
* **Analysis**: In this context, ἐπιμελῶς modifies the verb "search" (ζητεῖ, zētei). It vividly portrays the intensity and thoroughness of the woman's search. She does not merely glance around; she undertakes a meticulous, painstaking search, leaving no corner unexamined, until the lost coin is recovered. This "carefully" or "diligently" underscores the immense value she places on the lost item and the significant effort she expends to retrieve it. It paints a picture of persistent, focused, and exhaustive effort, driven by a deep concern for what is lost, serving as a powerful analogy for God's own diligent and loving pursuit of lost humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐπιμελῶς (epimelōs, `{{G1960}}`) includes words and concepts related to carefulness, diligence, and thoroughness:
* **Base Verb**: ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai, `{{G1959}}`), meaning "to take care of, to be concerned about." This verb is used in [[Luke 10:34]] and [[Luke 10:35]] to describe the Good Samaritan's compassionate and diligent care for the injured man. The adverb ἐπιμελῶς describes the *quality* of such care.
* **Related Noun**: ἐπιμέλεια (epimeleia, `{{G1958}}`), meaning "care, diligence, attention." This noun appears in [[Acts 27:3]], referring to Julius's "kindness" or "care" shown to Paul.
* **Semantic Parallels**: Other Greek words conveying aspects of diligence or thoroughness include:
* σπουδάζω (spoudazō, `{{G4704}}`): "to make haste, be eager, diligent."
* ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, `{{G199}}`): "accurately, precisely, strictly."
* προσέχω (prosechō, `{{G4337}}`): "to give attention to, to be careful."
* The concept of "diligence" or "carefulness" is a pervasive theme throughout Scripture, particularly in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs) and the New Testament epistles, where believers are exhorted to be diligent in their faith, service, and pursuit of righteousness.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, ἐπιμελῶς (epimelōs, `{{G1960}}`) carries profound theological weight within the Parable of the Lost Coin:
* **Divine Diligence and Pursuit**: The woman's "careful" search serves as a vivid earthly analogy for God's own divine diligence and persistent pursuit of lost humanity. Just as the woman values her coin and spares no effort to recover it, so God values every individual soul and actively seeks out those who are spiritually lost. This challenges any perception of a passive or indifferent God, revealing Him as one who is deeply invested in the redemption of His creation.
* **Infinite Value of the Lost**: The meticulous nature of the search, powerfully conveyed by "carefully," underscores the immense and immeasurable value God places on each soul. The lost coin, though seemingly small, is precious to the woman; similarly, every individual, regardless of their perceived status or worth in human estimation, is infinitely precious and worthy of God's diligent pursuit.
* **Joy in Recovery and Repentance**: The diligence of the search is directly linked to the ultimate joy of discovery. The woman's careful search culminates in finding the coin and celebrating, mirroring the profound heavenly joy over one sinner who repents. This emphasizes that God's diligence is not a burdensome task but a loving and joyful pursuit that culminates in the restoration and celebration of the lost.
* **Human Emulation (Implied)**: While the primary focus is on God's character, the word implicitly encourages believers to emulate this divine diligence in their own lives—in their spiritual walk, in their efforts to seek out the lost, and in the careful stewardship of their gifts and responsibilities in service to God.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἐπιμελῶς (epimelōs, `{{G1960}}`), meaning "carefully" or "diligently," appears uniquely in [[Luke 15:8]] within the Parable of the Lost Coin. It describes the intense, painstaking search undertaken by the woman to recover her lost coin. This singular but potent occurrence serves as a powerful illustration of God's profound care, diligent pursuit, and immense value for every lost individual. The meticulousness implied by "epimelōs" highlights the divine initiative in seeking out the wandering, emphasizing that God spares no effort in the redemptive process, leading to the ultimate joy of recovery and repentance. It underscores that God's love is not passive but actively and carefully engaged in the salvation of souls, demonstrating a divine diligence that reflects His deep, unwavering concern for humanity.
TRV