from ἐπί and ὅρκος; on oath, i.e. (falsely) a forswearer:--perjured person.
Transliteration:epíorkos
Pronunciation:ep-ee'-or-kos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1965 (epíorkos) is a compound term derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "over," and the noun ὅρκος (horkos, `{{G3727}}`), meaning "an oath." Etymologically, it signifies one who is "upon an oath." However, its semantic range in common usage, and particularly in the New Testament, is specifically narrowed to denote a "forswearer" or "perjured person." This implies not merely being under an oath, but rather one who has violated an oath, particularly by swearing falsely. The term thus describes an individual who has committed perjury, breaking a solemn promise or affirmation made under oath, often invoking divine witness or judgment. It captures the profound betrayal of truth inherent in such an act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1965 (epíorkos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Timothy 1:10]]. In this passage, Paul lists various categories of people for whom the law is intended, contrasting them with those who adhere to "sound doctrine" ([[1 Timothy 1:10b]]). The list includes "lawless and disobedient," "ungodly and sinful," "unholy and profane," "murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers," "manslayers," "fornicators," "sodomites," "kidnappers," "liars," and finally, "perjured persons" (epíorkos).
The inclusion of "perjured persons" in this catalogue of grievous sins highlights the severity with which the early Christian community viewed the violation of an oath. Perjury, in this context, is not merely a social transgression but a profound moral and spiritual failing. It signifies a fundamental disregard for truth, a contempt for the sanctity of a sworn promise, and by extension, an affront to the divine authority often invoked in the taking of an oath. The context of [[1 Timothy 1:9-10]] places perjury squarely among actions that are "contrary to sound doctrine," indicating its opposition to the righteous character expected of believers and the principles of God's law.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1965 is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels. Its root, ὅρκος (horkos, `{{G3727}}`), "oath," is foundational, appearing frequently in the New Testament to describe solemn promises, whether by God ([[Hebrews 6:17]]) or by humans ([[Matthew 14:7]]). Closely related is the verb form, ἐπιορκέω (epiorkeo, `{{G1964}}`), meaning "to perjure oneself" or "to swear falsely," which occurs in [[Matthew 5:33]] in Jesus' teaching on oaths.
Other relevant terms include ὀμνύω (omnyo, `{{G3660}}`), "to swear" or "to take an oath," and ψεύστης (pseustes, `{{G5583}}`), "liar," which also appears in the list in [[1 Timothy 1:10]]. This connection underscores that perjury is a specific, aggravated form of lying. The concept of "truthfulness" (ἀλήθεια, aletheia, `{{G225}}`) is central, as perjury is its direct antithesis. In the Old Testament, the sanctity of oaths was paramount, often invoked in the name of Yahweh ([[Leviticus 19:12]], [[Deuteronomy 23:21-23]]), making false swearing a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and an offense against God Himself. This background illuminates the gravity of G1965 in the New Testament context.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1965 (epíorkos) is profound, rooted in the very character of God and the nature of truth.
1. **Sin Against God:** An oath, particularly in ancient contexts, often invoked a deity as witness or guarantor. To swear falsely was therefore not merely a lie to another human but a direct affront to the divine being invoked. It challenged God's omniscience and holiness, treating His name or presence as trivial. God Himself is described as one who cannot lie ([[Titus 1:2]], [[Hebrews 6:18]]), making perjury fundamentally antithetical to His nature.
2. **Undermining Truth and Justice:** Perjury strikes at the heart of truth and justice. In legal or covenantal contexts, oaths provide the highest assurance of veracity. When they are violated, the very foundation of trust in interpersonal and societal relationships crumbles. It corrupts testimony, undermines legal processes, and destroys the integrity of agreements.
3. **Contrasting with Christian Integrity:** The New Testament calls believers to a standard of truthfulness that transcends the need for oaths. Jesus teaches in [[Matthew 5:33-37]] and James reiterates in [[James 5:12]] that a Christian's "yes" should be "yes" and "no" should be "no," rendering oaths largely superfluous. This emphasis on radical honesty means that the very act of perjury is utterly incompatible with the regenerate life and the pursuit of righteousness. The inclusion of "perjured persons" in the list of the unrighteous in [[1 Timothy 1:10]] serves as a stark reminder of the moral depravity that stands in opposition to the gospel.
### Summary
The Greek term G1965 (epíorkos) denotes a "perjured person" or "forswearer"—one who violates a solemn oath by swearing falsely. Derived from ἐπί (upon) and ὅρκος (oath), it signifies a profound betrayal of truth. Its singular occurrence in [[1 Timothy 1:10]] places it within a list of grave sins, highlighting its severity as an act contrary to sound doctrine and the righteous character of God. Theologically, perjury is a direct offense against the truthful nature of God, a destructive force against societal trust and justice, and a practice utterly incompatible with the integrity and honesty expected of those who follow Christ. It stands as a stark example of the unrighteousness from which the gospel redeems.
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