from ἐπί and τρόπος (in the sense of ἐπιτροπή); a commissioner, i.e. domestic manager, guardian:--steward, tutor.
Transliteration:epítropos
Pronunciation:ep-it'-rop-os
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐπίτροπος (epítropos, `{{G2012}}`) is a compound word derived from ἐπί (upon, over) and τρόπος (manner, way), often understood in the sense of ἐπιτροπή (commission, administration). This etymology reveals its core meaning: one who is placed *over* or *in charge of* something or someone. Its semantic range encompasses several related roles of delegated authority and responsibility. Primarily, it refers to a "commissioner" or "administrator," implying an individual entrusted with managing affairs or property on behalf of another. This can manifest as a "domestic manager" or "steward" overseeing a household, estate, or financial matters. Furthermore, it designates a "guardian" or "tutor," specifically one who has legal oversight and care of a minor's person and inheritance until they reach maturity. The underlying concept is one of trust, delegated authority, and accountability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπίτροπος appears in the New Testament in three distinct contexts, each illuminating a facet of its meaning:
* **Financial Administrator/Steward:** In [[Matthew 20:8]], the master of the vineyard instructs his ἐπίτροπος to pay the laborers. Here, the ἐπίτροπος functions as a financial administrator or steward, responsible for the disbursement of wages according to the master's directive. This highlights a role of trusted oversight in economic matters.
* **High-Ranking Household Manager:** [[Luke 8:3]] mentions Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's ἐπίτροπος. Given Herod's status, Chuza's position as ἐπίτροπος would have been that of a high-ranking official, managing significant aspects of the king's household or even regional affairs. This usage underscores a position of considerable authority and trust within a powerful household.
* **Legal Guardian/Tutor:** Perhaps the most theologically significant use is found in [[Galatians 4:2]]. Paul employs the term in an analogy comparing a child heir (who is the rightful owner of an inheritance) to one who, "as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians (ἐπίτροποι) and managers (οἰκονόμοι) until the date set by his father." Here, the ἐπίτροπος is a legal guardian, responsible for the care, upbringing, and management of the minor's estate until the child comes of age. This role emphasizes temporary oversight and protection, guiding the heir toward eventual freedom and full inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐπίτροπος is closely related to several other biblical terms and concepts:
* οἰκονόμος (oikonomos, `{{G3623}}`): Often translated as "steward" or "manager," this term emphasizes the management of a "house" (οἶκος). While οἰκονόμος and ἐπίτροπος can overlap in meaning, particularly in household administration, ἐπίτροπος carries a stronger connotation of legal guardianship or a broader commission "over" affairs, as seen in [[Galatians 4:2]] where both terms are used to describe those overseeing a minor's estate.
* παιδαγωγός (paidagogos, `{{G3807}}`): Translated as "guardian" or "disciplinarian," this term refers to a trusted slave who accompanied a child to school and supervised their moral conduct. While distinct, the παιδαγωγός shares with the ἐπίτροπος the role of temporary oversight and guidance during a child's immaturity.
* δοῦλος (doulos, `{{G1401}}`): A "servant" or "slave." While an ἐπίτροπος might be a servant, the term ἐπίτροπος highlights the *authority* and *responsibility* entrusted to them, rather than mere servitude.
* Concepts such as delegated authority, trust, responsibility, and accountability are inherent in the role of an ἐπίτροπος. The individual acts on behalf of a superior, managing resources or persons for the benefit of the true owner or heir.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπίτροπος primarily emerges from its use in [[Galatians 4:2]], where Paul employs it to illustrate the spiritual condition of humanity before Christ.
* **The Law as a Guardian:** Paul likens humanity under the Mosaic Law to a child under ἐπίτροποι and οἰκονόμοι. The Law, though divinely given, served a temporary, preparatory function, acting as a "guardian" or "custodian" to keep humanity in check and guide them until the "fullness of time" when Christ came. This highlights the Law's role not as an end in itself, but as a means to an end—leading to Christ and spiritual maturity. Just as a legal guardian manages an inheritance until the heir is mature enough to receive it, so the Law supervised humanity until Christ brought the spiritual maturity necessary for true sonship and inheritance of God's promises.
* **Stewardship and Accountability:** The broader sense of ἐπίτροπος as a manager or steward resonates with the biblical theme of stewardship. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of God's gifts, resources, and the Gospel message. Like the ἐπίτροπος in the parables, believers are accountable to God for how they manage what has been entrusted to them.
* **Divine Providence:** The concept also subtly points to God's meticulous oversight and management of His redemptive plan throughout history, preparing humanity for the advent of His Son.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπίτροπος (epítropos, `{{G2012}}`) denotes an individual entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, acting on behalf of another. Its core meaning encompasses roles such as a financial administrator, a high-ranking household manager, and most notably, a legal guardian or tutor overseeing a minor and their inheritance. Biblical occurrences in Matthew and Luke illustrate the roles of a trusted steward and administrator, while its pivotal use in Galatians highlights its theological significance. In [[Galatians 4:2]], ἐπίτροπος serves as a powerful analogy for the temporary, preparatory role of the Mosaic Law, which acted as a guardian for humanity until the coming of Christ brought spiritual maturity and the full inheritance of sonship. Ultimately, ἐπίτροπος underscores themes of delegated authority, faithful stewardship, accountability, and God's wise providence in guiding His people towards their ultimate redemption and inheritance in Christ.
TRV