apparently a middle voice of ἐφίστημι (with νοῦς implied); to put the mind upon, i.e. comprehend, or be acquainted with:--know, understand.
Transliteration:epístamai
Pronunciation:ep-is'-tam-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai, `{{G1987}}`) carries the core meaning of "to put the mind upon," leading to comprehension, understanding, or being thoroughly acquainted with something. Its etymological root is often traced to a middle voice form of ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, "to stand upon" or "to set over"), with the implicit addition of νοῦς (nous, "mind"). This suggests an active, deliberate mental engagement rather than a passive reception of information. The semantic range of ἐπίσταμαι thus extends beyond mere intellectual assent to encompass a practical, experiential, or skilled knowledge. It implies a deep grasp, a proficiency, or a thorough understanding of a subject, person, or situation. It is not simply knowing *of* something, but knowing *how* or knowing *well*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ἐπίσταμαι (`{{G1987}}`) in the New Testament illustrate its nuanced meaning:
* In [[Acts 15:7]], Peter declares, "Men, brethren, ye *know* that a good while ago God made choice among us..." Here, ἐπίσταμαι refers to a shared, understood knowledge among the apostles and elders concerning God's past actions and divine election, indicating a collective recognition of truth.
* [[Acts 18:25]] describes Apollos: "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, *knowing* only the baptism of John." Apollos possessed a genuine, albeit incomplete, understanding of Christian truth, demonstrating an earnest, focused grasp of what he had learned.
* The demonic confession in [[Acts 19:15]], "Jesus I *know*, and Paul I *know*; but who are ye?" highlights a form of recognition or acquaintance, albeit one born of spiritual perception rather than relational intimacy. Even malevolent spirits possess a certain knowledge of divine authority.
* Paul, addressing the Ephesian elders in [[Acts 20:18]], states, "Ye *know*, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons..." Here, ἐπίσταμαι refers to their experiential knowledge of Paul's consistent conduct and character during his ministry among them.
* Before Felix, Paul asserts in [[Acts 24:10]], "Forasmuch as I *know* that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself..." This signifies Paul's factual knowledge of Felix's long tenure, which informed his approach to the defense.
* Perhaps one of the most illustrative uses is in [[Philippians 4:12]], where Paul declares, "I *know* both how to be abased, and I *know* how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." This is a profound example of practical, learned wisdom – a "knowing how" to navigate life's extremes with contentment, born of experience and divine instruction.
* In [[1 Timothy 6:4]], the false teacher is described as "proud, *knowing* nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words..." This passage uses ἐπίσταμαι in the negative, indicating a fundamental lack of sound understanding, leading to spiritual emptiness and destructive pride.
* [[Hebrews 11:8]] states of Abraham, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, *not knowing* whither he went." Here, the absence of ἐπίσταμαι underscores Abraham's lack of specific geographical knowledge, emphasizing that his obedience was predicated on faith in God's promise rather than a detailed itinerary.
* Finally, [[James 4:14]] reminds believers, "Whereas ye *know* not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." This highlights the inherent limitation of human knowledge regarding future events, contrasting with divine omniscience.
Across these contexts, ἐπίσταμαι consistently points to a focused, often practical, and sometimes experiential understanding or acquaintance, distinct from mere intellectual awareness.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate ἐπίσταμαι (`{{G1987}}`), it is helpful to distinguish it from other Greek words for "knowing":
* **γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`)**: Often implies knowledge gained through experience, a progressive acquaintance, or a relational knowing. It can denote a deep, intimate understanding.
* **οἶδα (oida, `{{G1492}}`)**: Typically refers to an intuitive, absolute, or factual knowledge, often implying having seen or perceived something. It can convey a state of knowing that is complete or inherent.
* **συνίημι (syníēmi, `{{G4921}}`)**: Means "to bring together" or "to understand," often referring to intellectual comprehension or grasping the meaning of something.
While all these terms relate to knowledge, ἐπίσταμαι (`{{G1987}}`) frequently connotes a more specific, applied, or proficient understanding. It suggests the diligent application of the mind, resulting in a mastery, skill, or thorough familiarity. This "knowing how" or "knowing thoroughly" connects it to concepts such as wisdom (σοφία - sophia), discernment (διάκρισις - diakrisis), and practical wisdom (φρόνησις - phronēsis).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπίσταμαι (`{{G1987}}`) is multifaceted. It underscores the value of genuine, diligent understanding in the Christian life.
Firstly, it highlights the importance of a sound and deep grasp of truth, contrasting with superficiality or ignorance. The warning in [[1 Timothy 6:4]] against those who are "knowing nothing" but filled with pride, serves as a stark reminder that a lack of true understanding is spiritually perilous and leads to harmful speculation.
Secondly, the word emphasizes practical wisdom and spiritual maturity. Paul's declaration in [[Philippians 4:12]] is a testament to the fact that Christian living requires not just theoretical knowledge, but an experiential "knowing how" to navigate the vicissitudes of life with faith and contentment, a wisdom imparted by Christ.
Thirdly, ἐπίσταμαι also points to the limits of human knowledge. In [[Hebrews 11:8]] and [[James 4:14]], the lack of specific or future knowledge is noted, not as a deficiency in faith, but as a recognition of human finitude. This limitation serves to magnify the necessity of faith and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when the path ahead is not fully known.
Finally, the word reminds believers that spiritual knowledge, whether of God's past workings ([[Acts 15:7]]) or the nature of spiritual realities ([[Acts 19:15]]), demands active mental engagement and a desire for profound comprehension, rather than a passive or casual acquaintance.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπίσταμαι (epístamai, `{{G1987}}`) signifies a focused, active mental engagement leading to deep comprehension, practical skill, or thorough acquaintance. Derived from "to put the mind upon," it implies more than mere intellectual awareness, often conveying a "knowing how" or a mastery of a subject. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its application to factual knowledge, experiential understanding, practical wisdom in living, and even demonic recognition. Theologically, ἐπίσταμαι underscores the critical importance of diligent, sound understanding in the Christian walk, contrasting it with prideful ignorance. It highlights the practical wisdom necessary for navigating life's challenges and also implicitly acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge, thereby elevating the role of faith in areas where complete understanding is withheld.
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