ἐπιτάσσω
epitassō
to command
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō) is a verb that means "to command." In the context of law and justice, it implies a sense of authority and direction. The word is used 10 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in conveying instructions, orders, or decrees. The usage of ἐπιτάσσω suggests a hierarchical relationship, where one person or entity has the power to issue commands to another. This can be seen in contexts where leaders, judges, or authorities give instructions to their subordinates or subjects. The word implies a sense of obligation or duty to follow the command, highlighting the importance of obedience and compliance. In the biblical context, ἐπιτάσσω is often used in conjunction with other words that convey a sense of authority, such as δυνάσσει (dunasthai, "to have power") or κρίνει (krinein, "to judge"). This suggests that the word is closely tied to the exercise of power and the administration of justice, making it a significant concept in understanding the social and political dynamics of ancient societies.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences across the text
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
Mark 6:27Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Mark 6:39He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.
Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”
Luke 4:36Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Luke 8:25He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid they marveled, saying to one another, “Who is this then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”
Luke 8:31They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss.
Luke 14:22“The servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.’
Acts 23:2The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
Philemon 1:8Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,