### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ephesînos**, represented by `{{G2179}}`, is an adjective meaning **Ephesine, or situated at Ephesus**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole function is to specify the location of the church being addressed in the opening of the book of Revelation, grounding the divine message in a specific, earthly congregation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G2179}}` occurs in [[Revelation 2:1]], at the beginning of the first of seven letters to the churches. The instruction is given to "Unto the angel of the church of **Ephesus** write...". This identifies the recipient of a direct message from the one who "holdeth the seven stars" and "walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" [[Revelation 2:1]]. The use of the word pinpoints the message's destination, making it clear that the following commendation and rebuke are for this particular community of believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the significance of the message to the church of Ephesus:
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (a calling out...a religious congregation...church): This is the entity being addressed. The church at Ephesus is one of the seven churches, which are symbolically represented as seven candlesticks [[Revelation 1:20]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor): This is the designated recipient of the letter on behalf of the church. The angels are represented by the seven stars held in Christ's hand [[Revelation 1:20]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe): This is the commanded action, emphasizing the importance and permanence of the message being sent to the Ephesine church [[Revelation 2:1]].
* `{{G3087}}` **lychnía** (a lamp-stand...candlestick): This is the symbol for the church itself. The message to Ephesus includes a warning that its candlestick could be removed, signifying the loss of its standing as a church [[Revelation 2:5]].
* `{{G2902}}` **kratéō** (to use strength, i.e. seize or retain...hold): This word describes the authority of the one speaking to the church at Ephesus, as he is the one who holds the seven stars [[Revelation 2:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G2179}}` is derived entirely from its singular context in Revelation:
* **Specific Accountability:** By naming the church "of **Ephesus**," the vision establishes that divine messages and judgments are not just for a universal, abstract body, but for specific, local congregations that are known individually [[Revelation 2:1]].
* **Christ's Immanent Authority:** The message is delivered by one who walks in the midst of the golden **candlesticks** `{{G3087}}`, which represent the churches [[Revelation 1:20]]. This places the Ephesine church, and all churches, under the direct, watchful care and authority of Christ.
* **Identity and Mission:** The church at Ephesus is identified as a **candlestick** `{{G3087}}`, whose purpose is to be a source of light. The warning that its candlestick could be removed underscores that a church's identity is conditional upon its faithfulness [[Revelation 2:5]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G2179}}` **Ephesînos** is a simple geographical adjective, its single biblical appearance is foundational to the letters in Revelation. It anchors a profound spiritual vision to a real-world location, serving as the first example of Christ's direct address to a specific church. It thereby establishes a paradigm of local church accountability, divine authority, and the conditional nature of a congregation's role as a light in the world.
TRV