from (enough); serviceable, i.e. (by implication) requisite:--things which are needful.
Transliteration:epitḗdeios
Pronunciation:ep-ee-tay'-di-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2006 / epitḗdeios (ἐπιτήδειος) is derived from a base meaning related to "enough" or "suitable." Its core semantic range encompasses that which is "serviceable," "requisite," or "needful." It describes things that are fit for a particular purpose, necessary for an undertaking, or essential for sustenance and operation. The word conveys a sense of adequacy and appropriateness, indicating what is required to meet a specific need or achieve an objective, rather than implying luxury or excess. It points to practical necessities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2006 / epitḗdeios appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 15:24]]**: "whenever I journey to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while."
* In this verse, Paul expresses his intention to visit the Roman believers on his way to Spain and requests their assistance: "to be helped on my way there by you" (προπεμφθῆναι ὑφ’ ὑμῶν). The phrase "τὰ ἐπιτήδεια" (ta epitḗdeia) refers to "the things which are needful" or "the necessary provisions" for his journey. This would encompass practical support such as financial aid, supplies, or logistical assistance required for travel and continued ministry. The context reveals Paul's reliance on the generous support of the churches to facilitate his apostolic mission, highlighting the practical and material aspects of gospel work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G2006 / epitḗdeios resonates with several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Sufficiency and Adequacy**: Words like G2425 / hikanós (ἱκανός), meaning "sufficient" or "adequate," and G714 / arketós (ἀρκετός), meaning "sufficient" or "content," share a conceptual overlap, emphasizing what is enough to meet a need.
* **Need and Necessity**: Terms such as G5532 / chreía (χρεία), denoting "need" or "necessity," and G316 / anankaíos (ἀναγκαῖος), meaning "necessary" or "indispensable," are closely aligned in meaning, underscoring the essential nature of the "needful things."
* **Provision and Supply**: While not directly etymologically related, the concept of G2006 evokes the broader theme of provision, whether through G5160 / trophḗ (τροφή, food) or general supplies. The idea of "things which are needful" for a journey or task naturally connects to the concept of practical support and resources.
* The underlying sense of what is "fit" or "suitable" for a purpose also connects to the broader biblical theme of being equipped for good works (e.g., G2478 / kathartismós - equipping, or G2676 / katartizó - to prepare, to make fit).
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the use of G2006 / epitḗdeios in [[Romans 15:24]] carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the practicalities of ministry and the nature of Christian community:
1. **Practicality of Mission**: The term underscores that even spiritual endeavors, such as apostolic missions, have tangible, material needs. Paul, despite his spiritual authority and divine calling, required "things which are needful" for his journey. This reminds believers that ministry is not solely spiritual but also involves practical logistics and material resources.
2. **Mutual Support within the Body of Christ**: Paul's request for assistance from the Roman believers exemplifies the principle of mutual support within the church. Those who are sent to proclaim the gospel are to be supported by those who receive the gospel (cf. [[1 Corinthians 9:1-14]]; [[Galatians 6:6]]). The church is called to be a community that shares resources to advance the kingdom.
3. **God's Provision through His People**: The "needful things" are ultimately God's provision, often channeled through the generosity and stewardship of His people. This highlights the divine economy where God meets needs through the willing hearts and hands of believers, enabling the work of evangelism and discipleship.
4. **Stewardship and Responsibility**: The mention of "needful things" implicitly calls believers to consider their role in providing for the practical needs of those engaged in ministry. It challenges the community to exercise good stewardship of their resources for the sake of the gospel.
### Summary
G2006 / epitḗdeios refers to "things which are needful," encompassing what is serviceable, requisite, or necessary for a particular purpose. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 15:24]] highlights the practical provisions required by the apostle Paul for his missionary journey to Spain. Theologically, this term underscores the material realities of gospel ministry, the vital principle of mutual support within the Christian community, and God's gracious provision often mediated through the generosity of His people. It serves as a reminder that spiritual work is often facilitated by practical and material support, calling believers to responsible stewardship and communal care for the advancement of God's kingdom.
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