### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπιτιμία (epitimía, `{{G2009}}`) derives from a compound of the preposition ἐπί (epí, "upon," "in addition to") and the noun τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`, "honor," "value," "price"). Etymologically, its primary sense would relate to something placed upon or added to honor, leading to an initial understanding of "esteem" or even "citizenship" in classical contexts, implying a recognized and valued status. However, its usage in the New Testament, as noted in its base definition, shifts significantly to reflect the meaning of the related verb ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, `{{G2008}}`). This verb means "to rebuke," "to censure," or "to warn," often with an implied authority. Consequently, ἐπιτιμία comes to denote the *result* or *consequence* of such a rebuke or censure, specifically a "penalty" or "punishment." This punishment is not necessarily physical, but rather a form of disciplinary action, a loss of standing or honor, or a formal reprimand. Thus, the semantic range moves from a positive sense of "honor" to a negative one of "dishonor" or "penalty" incurred due to a rebuke.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπιτιμία (epitimía, `{{G2009}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 2:6]]: "Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority."
This verse refers to the disciplinary action taken by the Corinthian church against the man who had engaged in incest (as detailed in [[1 Corinthians 5:1-5]]). In [[1 Corinthians 5]], Paul had sternly commanded the church to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord" ([[1 Corinthians 5:5]]). This was a form of excommunication or removal from fellowship, a severe ἐπιτιμία.
By the time of [[2 Corinthians 2]], the man had evidently repented, and Paul now urges the church to forgive and restore him, lest he be "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow" ([[2 Corinthians 2:7]]). The "punishment" (ἐπιτιμία) inflicted by the "majority" (the church body) was deemed "sufficient." This indicates that the disciplinary measure had achieved its intended purpose: to bring the offender to repentance and to uphold the purity of the church. The punishment, therefore, was not retributive or vindictive, but restorative and corrective, demonstrating the communal responsibility in maintaining spiritual order and holiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, `{{G2008}}`):** This verb is directly related, being the verbal root from which ἐπιτιμία derives its meaning of "punishment" or "censure." It signifies the act of rebuking or warning, which leads to the ἐπιτιμία.
* **τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`):** The root noun meaning "honor," "value," or "price." The shift in ἐπιτιμία from "esteem" to "penalty" highlights a loss of honor or a price paid for transgression.
* **παιδεία (paideia, `{{G3809}}`):** This term refers to "discipline," "training," or "instruction," often with the implication of correction, as seen in passages like [[Hebrews 12:5-11]]. While ἐπιτιμία is a specific form of penalty, παιδεία encompasses the broader concept of divine or human training that includes such corrective measures.
* **ἔλεγχος (elenchos, `{{G1650}}`):** Meaning "conviction," "reproof," or "rebuke." This is the process of exposing and challenging wrongdoing, which can precede or accompany ἐπιτιμία.
* **Church Discipline:** The concept illustrated by ἐπιτιμία in [[2 Corinthians 2:6]] is foundational to the New Testament understanding of church discipline. This practice aims to address sin within the community, promote repentance, and preserve the church's purity and witness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἐπιτιμία (epitimía, `{{G2009}}`) in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Corinthian correspondence, carries profound theological significance regarding the nature of sin, discipline, and restoration within the Christian community.
1. **The Gravity of Sin:** The necessity of inflicting a "punishment" (ἐπιτιμία) underscores the seriousness with which God and His apostles view unrepentant sin, especially public sin, within the church. It is not to be tolerated or overlooked, as it defiles the body of Christ.
2. **Redemptive Discipline:** Crucially, the ἐπιτιμία described by Paul is not punitive in a retributive sense, but rather redemptive. Its purpose is to bring the sinner to repentance, leading to their spiritual restoration. Paul's instruction to the Corinthians to forgive and comfort the repentant man ([[2 Corinthians 2:7-8]]) highlights God's desire for reconciliation rather than permanent alienation.
3. **Corporate Responsibility:** The fact that the "punishment" was "inflicted by the majority" emphasizes the corporate responsibility of the church in maintaining holiness and exercising spiritual authority. Discipline is not merely a pastoral duty but a communal act reflecting the body's commitment to Christ's purity.
4. **Balance of Justice and Mercy:** The passage beautifully illustrates the delicate balance between divine justice and mercy. While sin demands a response (the ἐπιτιμία), God's ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration, which then calls for the church's forgiveness and love. This reflects God's own character, who is both just and merciful.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπιτιμία (epitimía, `{{G2009}}`), though rooted in concepts of "honor" or "esteem," evolved in its New Testament usage to signify a "punishment" or "penalty," specifically one that arises from a formal rebuke or censure. Its sole occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 2:6]] illuminates the practice of church discipline in the early Christian community. This ἐπιτιμία was a communal, corrective measure, designed not for vindictive retribution but for the redemptive purpose of bringing a sinning member to repentance and ultimately, restoration. It underscores the profound theological principles of the gravity of sin, the redemptive nature of discipline, the corporate responsibility of the church, and the divine balance between justice and mercy in the pursuit of holiness and reconciliation.
TRV