from ἐπί and σωρεύω; to accumulate further, i.e. (figuratively) seek additionally:--heap.
Transliteration:episōreúō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-so-ryoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπισωρεύω (`{{G2002}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "in addition to," or serving as an intensifier, and the verb σωρεύω (`{{G4981}}`), meaning "to heap up," "to pile," or "to accumulate." Therefore, the literal core meaning of ἐπισωρεύω is "to heap upon," "to pile up additionally," or "to accumulate further." The prefix ἐπί emphasizes the idea of adding to an existing pile or accumulating something in excess. Figuratively, as indicated by its usage, it conveys the idea of seeking or gathering something in abundance, often implying an uncritical or excessive accumulation driven by desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπισωρεύω (`{{G2002}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Timothy 4:3]]. The context of this sole occurrence is crucial for understanding its profound meaning:
[[2 Timothy 4:3]] states: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will *accumulate* for themselves teachers, having itching ears."
In this passage, Paul issues a prophetic warning to Timothy about a future spiritual decline. The word ἐπισωρεύω is used metaphorically to describe the actions of individuals who, instead of enduring "sound doctrine" (ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας), will "heap up" or "accumulate further" teachers for themselves. This accumulation is not born out of a genuine hunger for truth, but rather from "their own desires" (τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας) and a condition of "itching ears" (κνηθομένων ἀκοάς).
The imagery of "heaping up" teachers suggests a restless, insatiable desire for novelty or for teachings that cater to personal biases and preferences, rather than challenging them with the truth. It implies a consumerist approach to spiritual instruction, where individuals flit from one teacher to another, seeking affirmation for their own views or entertainment, rather than submitting to the authority of God's Word. This accumulation is a symptom of a rejection of biblical authority and a turning away from the steadfastness of faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to ἐπισωρεύω (`{{G2002}}`) and enhance its understanding:
* σωρεύω (`{{G4981}}`): The root verb, meaning "to heap up." It is used in [[Romans 12:20]] in the positive sense of "heaping coals of fire" on an enemy's head (showing kindness), and in [[2 Timothy 3:6]] in the negative sense of "heaping up sins" on women. This demonstrates the base concept of accumulation, whether for good or ill.
* ἐπιθυμία (`{{G1939}}`): "Desire, lust, craving." This word is explicitly linked to the motivation for "heaping up" teachers in [[2 Timothy 4:3]]. It highlights that the accumulation is driven by selfish or worldly desires rather than spiritual hunger.
* ἀκοή (`{{G189}}`): "Hearing, ear." In the phrase "itching ears" (κνηθομένων ἀκοάς), it signifies a desire for pleasant or novel sounds, a spiritual restlessness that seeks sensation over substance.
* διδασκαλία (`{{G1319}}`): "Teaching, doctrine." The very thing they will not "put up with" (ἀνέξονται). The "heaping up" of teachers is a direct consequence of their unwillingness to endure sound, wholesome doctrine.
* Concepts of spiritual discernment, apostasy, false teaching, and the dangers of subjective truth are all intrinsically linked to the meaning and context of ἐπισωρεύω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπισωρεύω (`{{G2002}}`) is profound, serving as a critical prophetic warning for the church. Its single occurrence in [[2 Timothy 4:3]] paints a vivid picture of spiritual decline in the last days.
1. **Rejection of Sound Doctrine:** The act of "heaping up" teachers is presented as a direct consequence of an unwillingness to tolerate "sound doctrine." This points to a rejection of objective, unchanging truth in favor of subjective preferences. It signals a departure from the authoritative Word of God as the sole standard for faith and practice.
2. **Spiritual Consumerism and Lack of Discernment:** The phrase highlights a dangerous trend where individuals treat spiritual instruction as a commodity to be consumed based on personal taste ("itching ears") rather than a divine revelation to be submitted to. This leads to a lack of spiritual discernment, making one vulnerable to false teachings and charismatic personalities who cater to popular sentiment.
3. **Self-Centered Spirituality:** The motivation for accumulating teachers is explicitly tied to "their own desires." This reveals a self-centered approach to faith, where truth is sought not to transform the individual into Christlikeness, but to validate existing biases, justify lifestyles, or provide emotional comfort without genuine repentance or obedience.
4. **A Sign of Apostasy:** Paul's warning is a hallmark of the apostasy that will characterize the end times. The proliferation of teachers who tickle ears rather than preach truth is a sign of a widespread turning away from the core tenets of the faith. It underscores the urgency for believers to be grounded in the Word and to cultivate discernment.
### Summary
ἐπισωρεύω (`{{G2002}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to heap upon" or "to accumulate further." Its singular, yet highly significant, appearance in [[2 Timothy 4:3]] describes a future spiritual condition where people, driven by their own desires and "itching ears," will "accumulate for themselves teachers." This metaphor powerfully conveys a restless, uncritical pursuit of instruction that caters to personal preferences rather than adhering to sound doctrine. Theologically, ἐπισωρεύω serves as a stark prophetic warning against spiritual consumerism, a lack of discernment, and the dangerous consequences of abandoning objective biblical truth for subjective desires, a hallmark of spiritual decline in the last days.
TRV