from ἐπί and σκοπός (in the sense of ἐπισκοπέω); a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively):--bishop, overseer.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (epískopos, `{{G1985}}`) is a compound term derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning "over, upon, in charge of," and σκοπός (skopos), meaning "a watcher, a goal, a mark." Thus, its core meaning is "one who looks over," "an overseer," or "a superintendent."
In classical Greek, ἐπίσκοπος was used in a secular context to refer to an inspector, a commissioner, a financial agent, or a supervisor of a colony. It consistently carried the connotation of oversight, administration, and responsibility for a specific domain.
Within the Septuagint (LXX), ἐπίσκοπος is employed to translate several Hebrew terms, primarily those related to administrative or supervisory roles, such as `{{H6496}}` (paqid, "overseer, officer") or `{{H5329}}` (natsach, "to oversee, supervise"). For instance, it describes officers in charge of temple services or military units, maintaining the sense of one who has charge over others. This pre-Christian usage sets the stage for its development into a distinct ecclesiastical office in the New Testament, where it denotes a specific spiritual leadership role within the Christian community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπίσκοπος appears five times in the New Testament, consistently referring to a leader within the early church, with one notable exception applying to Christ:
* **[[Acts 20:28]]**: Paul, addressing the elders (πρεσβυτέρους - presbyterous) from Ephesus, exhorts them, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (ἐπισκόπους - episkopous), to care for the church of God." This verse is crucial as it explicitly links ἐπίσκοπος with πρεσβύτερος (elder, `{{G4245}}`) and the function of shepherding (ποιμαίνω - poimainō, `{{G4165}}`), indicating that the terms likely described the same office or closely related functions in the early church, emphasizing both maturity and oversight.
* **[[Philippians 1:1]]**: Paul addresses his letter "to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers (ἐπισκόποις - episkopois) and deacons (διακόνοις - diakonois)." This passage demonstrates that ἐπίσκοπος was an established and recognized leadership position, distinct from but alongside deacons (διάκονος, `{{G1249}}`), in the churches. The plural form suggests multiple overseers in the Philippian church.
* **[[1 Timothy 3:1-2]]**: "If anyone aspires to the office of overseer (ἐπισκοπῆς - episkopēs), he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer (ἐπίσκοπον - episkopon) must be above reproach..." This passage provides the most detailed list of qualifications for the ἐπίσκοπος, focusing on character, family management, teaching ability, and hospitality. The use of the noun ἐπισκοπῆς here refers to the "office of overseer."
* **[[Titus 1:7]]**: "For an overseer (ἐπίσκοπον - episkopon), as God's steward, must be above reproach..." Similar to 1 Timothy, this verse reiterates qualifications for the ἐπίσκοπος. Notably, [[Titus 1:5]] states that elders (πρεσβυτέρους - presbyterous) are to be appointed in every town, and then [[Titus 1:7]] refers to the same individuals as ἐπίσκοπον, reinforcing the functional interchangeability of the terms "elder" and "overseer" in the Pauline epistles.
* **[[1 Peter 2:25]]**: This verse presents a unique and profound application: "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer (ἐπίσκοπον - episkopon) of your souls." Here, ἐπίσκοπος is applied to Jesus Christ Himself, highlighting His ultimate and perfect care, guidance, and watchfulness over His people. This figurative use elevates the human office by connecting it to the divine archetype.
### Related Words & Concepts
The New Testament usage of ἐπίσκοπος is closely intertwined with several other key terms and concepts:
* **πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, `{{G4245}}` - elder):** As seen in [[Acts 20:17]] and [[Acts 20:28]], and [[Titus 1:5]] and [[Titus 1:7]], πρεσβύτερος and ἐπίσκοπος appear to describe the same office or very closely related functions in the early church. "Elder" emphasizes maturity and wisdom, while "overseer" highlights the administrative and pastoral duties.
* **ποιμήν (poimēn, `{{G4166}}` - shepherd):** The function of an ἐπίσκοπος is consistently described with the imagery of shepherding, as in [[Acts 20:28]] and [[1 Peter 2:25]]. This emphasizes the pastoral care, feeding, guiding, and protecting of the flock.
* **διάκονος (diakonos, `{{G1249}}` - deacon, servant):** Often mentioned alongside ἐπίσκοπος (e.g., [[Philippians 1:1]]), διάκονος denotes an office of service and ministry, distinct from but complementary to the oversight role.
* **ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō, `{{G1986}}` - to oversee, visit, care for):** This is the verbal form, describing the action performed by an ἐπίσκοπος. It signifies the act of diligent oversight and care.
* **ἐπισκοπή (episkopē, `{{G1984}}` - oversight, visitation, office of overseer):** This noun refers to the act of oversight itself or the specific office held by an ἐπίσκοπος.
### Theological Significance
The office and function of the ἐπίσκοπος hold profound theological significance for the church:
* **Divine Appointment and Stewardship:** The Holy Spirit makes individuals ἐπίσκοποι ([[Acts 20:28]]), indicating a divine calling and empowerment for this role. The ἐπίσκοπος is seen as "God's steward" (οἰκονόμος - oikonomos, `{{G3623}}`) in [[Titus 1:7]], implying a sacred trust and accountability for managing God's household (the church) and its spiritual resources.
* **Pastoral Responsibility and Protection:** The consistent portrayal of the ἐπίσκοπος as a shepherd underscores the primary duty of nurturing, guiding, and protecting the flock from spiritual dangers, particularly false teachings and predatory influences ([[Acts 20:29-30]]). This highlights the shepherd's role in ensuring the spiritual health and purity of the congregation.
* **Character and Competence in Leadership:** The detailed qualifications in 1 Timothy and Titus emphasize that spiritual leadership is not merely about authority but about exemplary moral character, sound doctrinal understanding, and the ability to manage one's own household effectively. These qualities are essential for maintaining the integrity and witness of the church.
* **Order and Unity in the Church:** The establishment of ἐπίσκοποι alongside διακόνοι points to an early church structure designed to ensure order, facilitate ministry, and maintain doctrinal fidelity. This structure contributes to the unity and healthy functioning of the body of Christ.
* **Christ as the Ultimate Model:** The application of ἐπίσκοπος to Christ in [[1 Peter 2:25]] serves as the ultimate paradigm for all human overseers. Christ is the supreme Shepherd and Guardian of souls, providing the perfect example of care, sacrifice, and diligent oversight that human leaders are called to emulate. This connection elevates the human office, grounding it in Christ's own ministry.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (epískopos, `{{G1985}}`) fundamentally denotes "one who looks over" or "an overseer." In the New Testament, it describes a vital leadership office within the early Christian church, often translated as "bishop" or "overseer." This role is frequently used interchangeably with "elder" (πρεσβύτερος, `{{G4245}}`), signifying a mature individual entrusted with the spiritual superintendence and pastoral care of the local congregation. Key passages such as [[Acts 20:28]], [[Philippians 1:1]], [[1 Timothy 3:1-7]], and [[Titus 1:7]] delineate the qualifications and responsibilities of this office, emphasizing moral integrity, sound doctrine, and a shepherding heart. The ἐπίσκοπος is portrayed as God's steward, accountable for the spiritual well-being and protection of the flock. Ultimately, the office finds its supreme archetype in Jesus Christ Himself, who is called the "Shepherd and Overseer" of our souls in [[1 Peter 2:25]], underscoring the sacred and weighty nature of this divine appointment within the body of believers.
TRV