from ἐπί and τιμάω; to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid:--(straitly) charge, rebuke.
Transliteration:epitimáō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-tee-mah'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, `{{G2008}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon" or "against," and the verb τιμάω (timáō), meaning "to honor," "to value," or "to set a price on." The combination suggests a literal sense of "to lay a charge upon," "to assess a penalty," or "to find fault with." From this foundational meaning, ἐπιτιμάω develops a rich semantic range in the New Testament, primarily denoting "to censure," "to admonish strongly," "to rebuke," or "to forbid authoritatively." It carries a strong implication of an authoritative and often sharp correction, not merely a suggestion or gentle warning. The action of rebuking with ἐπιτιμάω is typically decisive and aims to halt or reverse an undesirable action or state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of ἐπιτιμάω in the New Testament is particularly illuminating, especially in the Gospels where it frequently describes the actions of Jesus.
1. **Rebuking Demonic Forces and Illnesses:** A prominent use of ἐπιτιμάω is seen in Jesus' authoritative confrontation with spiritual and physical maladies.
* In [[Mark 1:25]], Jesus "rebuked" an unclean spirit, commanding it, "Be silent, and come out of him!"
* Similarly, in [[Luke 4:35]] and [[Luke 4:41]], Jesus "rebukes" demons, compelling them to depart.
* His power extends to physical ailments, as seen in [[Luke 4:39]], where He "rebukes" a fever, and it leaves immediately.
* The casting out of a demon from a boy in [[Matthew 17:18]] also involves Jesus "rebuking" the demon. These instances underscore Jesus' divine authority over the forces of evil and disease, demonstrating His power to command and subdue.
2. **Rebuking Nature:** Jesus' authority extends even to the natural world.
* In the calming of the storm, Jesus "rebukes" the wind and the sea (e.g., [[Matthew 8:26]], [[Mark 4:39]], [[Luke 8:24]]). This is a profound demonstration of His cosmic sovereignty, where even chaotic elements obey His word.
3. **Rebuking Human Opposition or Misunderstanding:** ἐπιτιμάω is also used when Jesus corrects His disciples or others who act contrary to God's will or understanding.
* Perhaps most famously, in [[Matthew 16:22-23]] and [[Mark 8:32-33]], Jesus "rebukes" Peter after Peter attempts to dissuade Him from His path to suffering and death. Jesus' sharp words, "Get behind me, Satan!", reveal the severe nature of Peter's misguided counsel, identifying it as an unwitting instrument of evil.
* In [[Luke 9:55]], Jesus "rebukes" James and John when they propose calling down fire upon a Samaritan village.
* Jesus also "rebukes" those who try to keep children from Him (e.g., [[Matthew 19:13]], [[Mark 10:13]], [[Luke 18:15]]), demonstrating His protective care and valuing of the innocent.
* In [[Luke 19:39]], the Pharisees ask Jesus to "rebuke" His disciples for their exuberant praise.
4. **Pastoral Application:** Paul uses ἐπιτιμάω in his pastoral instruction to Timothy.
* In [[2 Timothy 4:2]], he exhorts Timothy to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." Here, the word signifies a necessary, authoritative, and firm correction within the context of ministry, requiring both boldness and patience.
Across these contexts, ἐπιτιμάω consistently conveys a forceful, authoritative, and effective act of correction or prohibition, stemming from a position of legitimate power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐπιτιμάω intersects with several other Greek words related to correction, warning, and authority:
* νουθετέω (nouthetéō, `{{G3560}}`): To admonish, warn, or instruct, often with a focus on moral improvement. While similar, νουθετέω can be less confrontational than ἐπιτιμάω, implying more of a gentle warning or teaching.
* ἐλέγχω (elégchō, `{{G1651}}`): To convict, reprove, or expose. This word often implies bringing to light a fault or sin, leading to conviction. ἐπιτιμάω can be the authoritative response *after* ἐλέγχω has occurred, or a direct, immediate cessation of wrong.
* παραινέω (parainéō, `{{G3867}}`): To exhort or advise. This is generally a milder form of counsel, lacking the strong, prohibitive force of ἐπιτιμάω.
* ἐξουσία (exousía, `{{G1849}}`): Authority, power, right. ἐπιτιμάω is an active demonstration of ἐξουσία, particularly when wielded by Jesus. The ability to rebuke effectively is a testament to inherent authority.
* ἐντέλλομαι (entéllomai, `{{G1778}}`): To command, order. While ἐπιτιμάω can function as a command (e.g., "be silent!"), its primary nuance is "to rebuke" or "to forbid" rather than a general instruction.
The distinguishing feature of ἐπιτιμάω is its emphasis on a direct, often sharp, and authoritative intervention to stop or correct something deemed wrong or contrary to divine order.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ἐπιτιμάω in the New Testament carries profound theological implications:
1. **Demonstration of Christ's Divine Authority:** The most striking theological significance of ἐπιτιμάω lies in its frequent application to Jesus. His ability to "rebuke" demons, illnesses, and even the forces of nature unequivocally showcases His divine nature and unparalleled authority. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the Lord over all creation and the spiritual realm. This power to command and subdue evil is a hallmark of His messianic identity and God's active presence in the world.
2. **Confrontation of Evil:** The acts of rebuking signify that God, through Christ, is not passive in the face of evil, disorder, or spiritual opposition. Instead, He actively confronts and overcomes these forces. This provides a theological basis for hope and assurance in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all that opposes it.
3. **The Nature of Discipleship and Sanctification:** Jesus' rebukes of His disciples, particularly Peter, highlight the necessity of divine correction in the process of spiritual formation. Even those closest to Christ can harbor worldly thinking or act in opposition to God's will, requiring sharp, loving, and authoritative correction for their growth and alignment with divine purposes. This underscores that discipleship involves not just teaching but also the painful yet necessary process of reproof.
4. **Pastoral Responsibility and Authority:** Paul's instruction to Timothy in [[2 Timothy 4:2]] extends the concept of authoritative rebuke to Christian leadership. Pastors and elders are called to exercise this function, not out of personal anger, but out of a Spirit-led conviction to uphold truth and righteousness within the church. This "rebuke" must be exercised with patience and sound teaching, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
### Summary
ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, `{{G2008}}`) is a powerful Greek verb signifying an authoritative censure, strong admonition, or decisive prohibition. Its etymological roots suggest "laying a charge upon" or "assessing a penalty," evolving into the New Testament meaning of a sharp rebuke. Most notably, its frequent use in describing Jesus' actions underscores His divine authority over spiritual forces, physical ailments, the natural world, and even human opposition to God's will. The effective and immediate nature of Jesus' rebukes serves as a foundational demonstration of His unique power and messianic identity. Furthermore, the word informs the nature of discipleship, highlighting the necessity of divine correction for spiritual growth, and outlines a key aspect of pastoral responsibility in the church. ἐπιτιμάω ultimately points to God's active and righteous intervention in confronting and subduing all that stands contrary to His sovereign will.
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