ἐπίσκοπος
episkopos
overseer
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) is defined as an "overseer." This term is used 7 times in the Bible. As an overseer, this person is likely responsible for supervising or managing a group or organization. The word's definition suggests a position of authority and responsibility. The range of usage for ἐπίσκοπος is limited to a few instances in the New Testament, primarily in the context of the early Christian church. This suggests that the term was likely used to describe a specific role within the church, possibly involving leadership or management responsibilities. The significance of ἐπίσκοπος lies in its association with leadership and supervision within the early Christian community. Its use in the Bible highlights the importance of responsible leadership and management within the church.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
Philippians 1:1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
1 Timothy 3:2The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Titus 1:7For the overseer must be blameless, as God’s steward, not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;
Titus 3:15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
1 Peter 2:25For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.