The Greek word episképtomai, represented by G1980, means to inspect, select, or by extension, to visit or relieve. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. This term signifies both a divine act of intervention and a human responsibility of care, embodying the concept of looking upon someone with the intent to provide aid or oversight.
In scripture, G1980 is used to describe two primary types of action. It depicts God's direct intervention in human affairs, as when He "visited and redeemed his people" Luke 1:68 and "visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name" Acts 15:14. It is also used to command human action, defining "pure religion" as the duty "To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" James 1:27. This action of visiting is presented as a fundamental expression of faith, as seen when Christ commends those who visited Him when He was sick and in prison Matthew 25:36. The word is also used in the sense of selecting or choosing, as when the apostles were told to "look ye out" suitable men for service Acts 6:3.
Several related words help to clarify the context and meaning of G1980:
- G3085 lýtrōsis (redemption): This word is directly linked to God's visitation, which accomplishes the act of redemption for His people Luke 1:68.
- G2356 thrēskeía (religion): The act of visiting the needy is presented as a core tenet of "pure" and "undefiled" religion James 1:27.
- G1834 exēgéomai (to declare, tell): This term is used to report God's actions, as when Simeon "declared" how God first did "visit" the Gentiles Acts 15:14.
- G3403 mimnḗskō (to be mindful): This is used in parallel with G1980 to ask why God is "mindful" of man, or that He should "visitest" him, highlighting a visitation as an act of remembrance and care Hebrews 2:6.
The theological weight of G1980 is centered on the concept of purposeful visitation, whether by God or by man.
- Divine Redemption: The term frequently describes God's sovereign initiative to intervene on behalf of humanity. His visitation is not a casual check-in but a redemptive act, as seen when "the dayspring from on high hath visited us" Luke 1:78 and when He "visited his people" Luke 7:16.
- Tangible Faith: The word connects belief with action. True faith is demonstrated by visiting those in need, such as the sick, the imprisoned, the fatherless, and widows. Christ directly equates this act of visiting with ministering to Him personally (Matthew 25:36, Matthew 25:43).
- Shepherding and Oversight: The word carries a sense of inspection for the purpose of care. This is evident when the disciples are instructed to "look ye out" men of good report Acts 6:3 and when Paul desires to "visit" the brethren to see how they are doing Acts 15:36.
In summary, G1980 is a significant term that bridges divine action and human responsibility. It illustrates that a "visitation" in the biblical sense is an intentional act of looking upon someone to provide relief, oversight, or redemption. From God's redemptive plan for His people to the practical expression of pure religion, episképtomai highlights a core scriptural theme: that God looks after His creation and expects His people to do the same for one another.
TRV