### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **episōreúō**, represented by `{{G2002}}`, means to **accumulate further** or to **heap**. This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its base definition comes from the words ἐπί and σωρεύω, and in its biblical usage, it figuratively describes the act of seeking out and accumulating something additionally.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2002}}` is in a prophetic warning in [[2 Timothy 4:3]]. The verse describes a future **time** `{{G2540}}` when people will no longer **endure** `{{G430}}` sound **doctrine** `{{G1319}}`. Instead, driven by their **own** `{{G2398}}` **lusts** `{{G1939}}`, they will **heap** to themselves teachers who satisfy their "itching ears" `{{G2833}}` `{{G189}}`. The action of heaping signifies an active and deliberate gathering of instructors who will affirm their desires rather than challenge them with truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context illuminate the meaning of **episōreúō**:
* `{{G1319}}` **didaskalía** (doctrine): This word for "instruction" or "teaching" is what people will refuse to endure. The act of heaping `{{G2002}}` is a direct reaction against sound **doctrine** [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
* `{{G1320}}` **didáskalos** (teacher): These are the very individuals being accumulated or "heaped up." People will gather a multitude of **teachers** to suit their preferences [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía** (lust): Defined as a "longing (especially for what is forbidden)," this is the motivation for the accumulation. People heap up teachers according to their own **lusts** [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological warning carried by `{{G2002}}` is significant, highlighting a specific spiritual danger.
* **Active Rejection of Truth:** To **heap** `{{G2002}}` up teachers is not a passive drift from truth, but an active choice. It follows a refusal to **endure** `{{G430}}` sound **doctrine** `{{G5198}}` `{{G1319}}`, showing a deliberate preference for falsehood [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
* **Desire-Driven Religion:** The accumulation is driven by personal **lusts** `{{G1939}}` and the desire for teachers who will satisfy "itching ears" `{{G2833}}` `{{G189}}`. This illustrates a shift from seeking God's will to seeking self-validation.
* **Self-Appointed Authorities:** By heaping teachers **to themselves** `{{G1438}}`, individuals create their own sources of authority. They gather instructors who will say what they want to hear, rather than submitting to the instruction God has provided [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
### Summary
In summary, **episōreúō** `{{G2002}}` provides a vivid picture of apostasy. Though used only once, it powerfully depicts the act of accumulating teachers not for genuine learning, but to affirm one's own forbidden desires. It serves as a stark warning in [[2 Timothy 4:3]] about the danger of abandoning sound doctrine in favor of teachings that merely satisfy personal lusts and itching ears.
TRV