The Greek word epitrépō, represented by G2010, means to turn over or transfer, signifying allowance. It is translated as to "permit," "suffer," "let," or to "give leave, liberty, license." It appears 22 times across 18 unique verses, establishing its role in contexts of authority and permission.
In biblical usage, G2010 consistently appears in situations involving a grant of permission from a higher authority. A Roman centurion gave Paul liberty G2010 to see his friends Acts 27:3, and later gave him licence G2010 to address a crowd Acts 21:40. When Joseph of Arimathaea wished to take the body of Jesus, Pilate gave him leave G2010 John 19:38. The word is also used for requests made to Jesus, such as when a disciple asked, "suffer G2010 me first to go and bury my father" Matthew 8:21. Conversely, it is used to denote restriction, as when Paul writes, "I suffer G2010 not a woman to teach" 1 Timothy 2:12.
Several related words help define the scope of what is or is not permitted by G2010:
- G5293 hypotássō (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): This is presented as the required alternative to an action that is not permitted. Women are to be under obedience, as it is not permitted G2010 for them to speak in church 1 Corinthians 14:34.
- G630 apolýō (to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss... or (specially) divorce): Moses suffered G2010 the Israelites to put away their wives, an allowance for a specific action Matthew 19:8.
- G190 akolouthéō (to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple)): A man expresses his desire to follow Jesus, but first asks for permission (let G2010 me) to attend to a family matter Luke 9:61.
- G831 authentéō (to act of oneself, i.e. (figuratively) dominate): This action is explicitly forbidden, as Paul does not suffer G2010 a woman to usurp authority over the man 1 Timothy 2:12.
The theological weight of G2010 is significant, highlighting principles of authority and submission.
- Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores that all human actions are ultimately subject to God's will. Paul makes his plans conditional, stating he will visit "if the Lord permit" 1 Corinthians 16:7 and that certain actions will be done "if God permit" Hebrews 6:3.
- Concession to Human Weakness: G2010 is used to describe an allowance that is not part of God's perfect will. Jesus explains that Moses suffered them to divorce their wives specifically "because of the hardness of your hearts" Matthew 19:8.
- Ecclesiastical Order: The term is used to set boundaries for conduct within the church. It establishes that some actions are not permitted G2010 in order to maintain a structure of obedience and silence 1 Corinthians 14:34.
In summary, G2010 is a crucial term for understanding biblical concepts of authority. It is not a word of universal freedom, but rather one of delegated or granted liberty that operates within a clear structure. Whether it is a Roman official giving license, Jesus suffering a request, or an apostle submitting plans to the will of God, epitrépō consistently shows that permission is something to be given by a recognized authority.
TRV