Tag Archives: meaning of ἐπιτιμάω

The Greek verb “ἐπιτιμάω”

Found in eight different New Testament books, the Greek verb “epitrepo” meant “let,” “give,” permit,” “allow.”

The subjects of this verb “are normally persons who assume an official permission.  Pilate permits the body of Jesus to be taken from the cross (John 19:38).  In the question about divorce the regulation of the Mosaic law that in the case of the divorce of a wife a letter of divorce be delivered is interpreted as permission:  Moses permitted it (Mark 10:4 par. Matt. 19:8).  The demons request of Jesus that they be allowed to enter into the swine (Mark 5:13; Luke 8:32; cf. par. Mark)” (Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, 2:43).  In the book of Acts, “the Roman authorities are the ones esp. who conduct themselves properly toward Paul and permit him to give his defense speech (Acts 21:39, 40; 26:1), to look for his friends (27:3), and to live in his own rented quarters (28:16)” (ibid).

Other texts that use this verb include 1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 6:3.

The Greek noun “ἐπιτιμάω”

Limited to 2 Cor. 2:6, the Greek noun “epitimia” meant “punishment.”

While often seen as antiquated by many today, the first Christians practiced “church discipline” that was truly “punishment.”  In this case, sexual sin committed by a Christian resulted in a “penalty” from fellow Christians.

The Greek verb “ἐπιτιμάω”

Found almost exclusively in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but also used in 2 Tim. 4:2 and Jude 9, the Greek verb “epitimao” meant “rebuke,” “warn,” “admonish.”

Jesus “rebuked” the wind and sea (Mt. 8:26).  Peter “rebuked” Jesus (Mt. 16:22).  The Lord’s disciples “rebuked” children (Mt. 19:13).  Jesus “rebuked” a demon (Mk. 1:25).  He also “rebuked” a fever (Lk. 4:39).  Faithful preachers, at times, must “rebuke” (2 Tim. 4:2).  On the occasion described in Jude 9, the devil deserved a “rebuke.”

The “sense ‘censure’, ‘rebuke,’ will suit all instances, but more precise definition is possible” (Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 1:572).