ἐπίορκος

The Greek word ἐπίορκος (e-pi-or-kos) is a term that carries a strong sense of moral offense. Its short definition, "perjurer," reveals that it refers to someone who has sworn falsely, breaking their oath. This word is part of the semantic domain of Law & Justice, indicating its connection to the concepts of truth, honesty, and integrity. In the context of ancient Greek culture, where oaths were a common way to seal agreements and confirm truth, being labeled a perjurer would have been a serious accusation. The fact that this word appears only once in the Bible suggests that its usage is not common, but its significance is substantial. The term conveys a sense of gravity and consequences for those who break their word. The rarity of this word in the Bible underscores its importance as a moral concept. It highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships and agreements, and the severe consequences of breaking one's word.