from ἐπισκέπτομαι; inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian "episcopate":--the office of a "bishop", bishoprick, visitation.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **episkopḗ**, represented by `{{G1984}}`, is derived from ἐπισκέπτομαι and conveys the idea of **inspection**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's application ranges from superintendence and relief to the formal Christian "episcopate," leading to translations such as **the office of a "bishop"**, **bishoprick**, and **visitation**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1984}}` is used in two distinct but related ways. It refers to a moment of divine inspection, or **visitation**. This is seen when Jerusalem is judged for not knowing the time of its **visitation** [[Luke 19:44]], and also as a "day of **visitation**" when believers' good works may lead to God being glorified [[1 Peter 2:12]]. The term also denotes a position of human leadership and oversight. In Acts, Judas's forfeited position is called a **bishoprick** [[Acts 1:20]], and in 1 Timothy, the desire for **the office of a bishop** is described as desiring a good work [[1 Timothy 3:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and implications of `{{G1984}}`:
* `{{G2041}}` **érgon** (deed, doing, labour, work): This word directly connects to `{{G1984}}` by defining the "office of a bishop" as a good **work** [[1 Timothy 3:1]] and by showing that good **works** are what observers behold during the day of "visitation" [[1 Peter 2:12]].
* `{{G2570}}` **kalós** (good, honest, worthy): This term qualifies both the office and the conduct associated with `{{G1984}}`. The "office of a bishop" is a **good** work [[1 Timothy 3:1]], and it is an **honest** or **good** conversation that glorifies God on the day of visitation [[1 Peter 2:12]].
* `{{G391}}` **anastrophḗ** (behavior, conversation): This word highlights that a believer's outward conduct is central to the concept of "visitation." It is through an honest **conversation** that gentiles may behold good works and glorify God [[1 Peter 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1984}}` is evident in its dual application to divine and human oversight.
* **Divine Inspection:** The concept of a "day of **visitation**" frames a time of divine scrutiny. This can be a moment of judgment, as with Jerusalem's failure [[Luke 19:44]], or a moment of redemption, where believers' conduct results in glory to God [[1 Peter 2:12]].
* **Church Leadership:** The term establishes a formal role of superintendence within the church, translated as **bishoprick** or **the office of a bishop** ([[Acts 1:20]], [[1 Timothy 3:1]]). This office is not merely a title but is defined as a "good work."
* **Accountability in Conduct:** The connection between an honest "conversation" `{{G391}}` and the "day of **visitation**" `{{G1984}}` underscores that all behavior is subject to inspection, both by other people and ultimately by God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1984}}` provides a framework for understanding both oversight and accountability. It encompasses the formal **office of a bishop** as a role of superintendence and defines it as a significant **work**. Simultaneously, it points to a "day of **visitation**," a critical time of divine inspection where one's conduct and works are made evident, ultimately leading to either judgment or glory for God.
TRV