from ἐπισκέπτομαι; inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian "episcopate":--the office of a "bishop", bishoprick, visitation.
Transliteration:episkopḗ
Pronunciation:ep-is-kop-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term episkopḗ (`{{G1984}}`) is derived from the verb `{{G1980}}` (episkeptomai), which means "to look upon," "to inspect," or "to visit." Consequently, episkopḗ carries a primary sense of "inspection" or "oversight." Its semantic range extends to several key nuances:
1. **Inspection for Relief/Help:** This implies a purposeful, often benevolent, "visitation" or "looking upon" with the intent to provide aid, care, or intervention.
2. **Superintendence/Oversight:** Beyond mere observation, it denotes an active role in managing, administering, or overseeing. This suggests a position of authority and responsibility.
3. **The Christian Episcopate/Office of an Overseer:** In a specialized ecclesiastical sense, episkopḗ refers specifically to the "office" or "position" of a "bishop" or "overseer" within the early Christian church. This is an official role involving spiritual and administrative leadership.
The core meaning thus revolves around a purposeful "looking over" or "visiting," which can carry connotations of care, judgment, or administrative responsibility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term episkopḗ appears four times in the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications:
* **[[Acts 1:20]]**: "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it'; and 'Let another take his office [ἐπισκοπήν].'" Here, episkopḗ clearly refers to the "office" or "position of oversight" previously held by Judas Iscariot as an apostle. The context concerns the selection of a replacement, emphasizing the administrative and authoritative nature of the apostolic office.
* **[[1 Timothy 3:1]]**: "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer [ἐπισκοπῆς], he desires a noble task." This is a foundational text for understanding the role of leadership in the early church. Episkopḗ denotes a specific, recognized ecclesiastical "office" (that of the `{{G1985}}` episkopos, or overseer/bishop). The subsequent verses detail the moral and spiritual qualifications for this demanding and honorable position, highlighting its importance for the spiritual well-being and order of the congregation.
* **[[Luke 19:44]]**: "[The enemy] will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation [ἐπισκοπῆς]." In this prophetic lament over Jerusalem, episkopḗ refers to God's "visitation" – His purposeful inspection or intervention in human affairs. Here, it carries a negative connotation, signifying a divine judgment upon Jerusalem for its failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the opportunity for salvation He presented.
* **[[1 Peter 2:12]]**: "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation [ἐπισκοπῆς]." Similar to [[Luke 19:44]], this refers to a divine "visitation." However, the context here suggests a day of God's ultimate inspection or intervention where the righteous conduct of believers will be vindicated and lead to God's glorification. It carries eschatological implications of God's final oversight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding episkopḗ is enhanced by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **`{{G1980}}` (episkeptomai)**: The verb from which episkopḗ is derived. It means "to look upon," "to visit," "to inspect," often with the connotation of caring for, providing for, or intervening. This root meaning informs the benevolent or purposeful aspect of "visitation" or "oversight."
* **`{{G1985}}` (episkopos)**: The noun meaning "overseer" or "bishop." This is the person who holds the "office" (episkopḗ). The episkopos is one who performs the episkopḗ. The two terms are inextricably linked in describing church leadership.
* **`{{G4291}}` (proistēmi)**: To "manage," "rule," or "preside over." This term is often used in parallel with episkopḗ when discussing the practical functions of church leadership (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:4-5]], [[1 Timothy 5:17]]). It describes the active leadership and care for a household or church.
* **`{{G4166}}` (poimēn)**: "Shepherd." While episkopḗ emphasizes administrative oversight and authority, "shepherd" emphasizes pastoral care, feeding, guiding, and protecting the flock. New Testament leadership often combines these roles, with overseers also functioning as shepherds ([[Acts 20:28]], [[1 Peter 5:2]]).
* **`{{H6486}}` (paqad)**: The primary Hebrew equivalent, frequently translated by episkopḗ in the Septuagint. Paqad carries a broad semantic range including "to visit," "to inspect," "to appoint," "to muster," "to account for." It encompasses both divine visitation (for blessing or judgment) and human oversight or appointment, mirroring the dual usage of episkopḗ.
### Theological Significance
The term episkopḗ carries profound theological significance in two primary domains:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention:** When referring to God's "visitation" ([[Luke 19:44]], [[1 Peter 2:12]]), episkopḗ underscores God's active, purposeful involvement in human history. This divine visitation is not passive observation but an active inspection that leads to consequences, whether judgment for unbelief or vindication for faithfulness. It highlights God's ultimate authority, His knowledge of human actions, and His eventual accountability for all. It serves as a reminder that humanity is always under the divine gaze, and there will be a "day of visitation" where all will be made manifest.
2. **Ecclesiastical Order and Leadership:** In its primary New Testament usage concerning the church ([[Acts 1:20]], [[1 Timothy 3:1]]), episkopḗ denotes the divinely instituted office of spiritual oversight. This office is not merely a human invention but a necessary structure for the health and growth of the church. It signifies a position of authority and responsibility for guarding doctrine, maintaining order, providing pastoral care, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the congregation. The qualifications for this office, as detailed in the Pastoral Epistles, emphasize character, spiritual maturity, and an ability to teach and manage. The existence of the episkopḗ underscores God's desire for an ordered, well-governed church, led by individuals who are accountable to Him for their stewardship of His flock. It reflects the early church's developing understanding of structured leadership for mission and discipleship.
### Summary
The Greek term episkopḗ (`{{G1984}}`) signifies "inspection," "visitation," and "superintendence," deriving from the verb `{{G1980}}` (episkeptomai), meaning "to look upon with care." Its New Testament usage reveals a dual theological significance. Firstly, it describes God's purposeful "visitation" of humanity, which can entail either judgment for disobedience ([[Luke 19:44]]) or ultimate vindication and glorification for the righteous ([[1 Peter 2:12]]). This highlights God's active sovereignty and the certainty of divine accountability. Secondly, and most prominently, episkopḗ denotes the specific "office of an overseer" or "bishop" within the early Christian church ([[Acts 1:20]], [[1 Timothy 3:1]]). This office, held by an `{{G1985}}` (episkopos), is a divinely ordained position of spiritual leadership, administrative oversight, and pastoral care, essential for the order, doctrine, and well-being of the congregation. Episkopḗ thus encapsulates both God's providential oversight of humanity and His provision for structured, accountable leadership within His church.
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