Lexical Summary epidiorthoó: To set in order, to correct, to amend Original Word: ἐπιδιορθόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance set in order. From epi and a derivative of orthos; to straighten further, i.e. (figuratively) arrange additionally -- set in order. see GREEK epi see GREEK orthos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and the same as diorthóma Definition to correct in addition NASB Translation set in order (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1930: ἐπιδιορθόωἐπιδιορθόω (see διόρθωσις): to set in order besides or further (what still remains to be set in order (cf. ἐπί, D. 4)): Titus 1:5, where, for the common reading ἐπιδιορθώσῃ (1 aorist middle subjunctive), Lachmann has adopted ἐπιδιορθωσης (1 aorist active subjunctive). Found also in inscriptions (Boeckh ii. 409, 9), and in ecclesiastical writings. Topical Lexicon Biblical context and occurrence The verb appears once in the New Testament, in Titus 1:5. Paul writes, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you”. The term describes decisive, corrective action aimed at completing what remains lacking in the churches of Crete. Paul’s concern for Crete Crete was notorious in the ancient world for moral laxity (Titus 1:12). Paul therefore leaves Titus to address two urgent needs: moral reform among believers and structural reform in the congregations. By instructing Titus to “straighten out” unfinished matters, Paul signals that doctrinal purity and corporate order are inseparable. The single verb encapsulates an apostolic mandate to restore, fortify, and advance the health of Christ’s churches. Order as a theological priority Scripture consistently presents order as the fruit of divine wisdom. Genesis 1 portrays God bringing form to chaos; Exodus records Moses arranging Israel’s camp around the tabernacle; and 1 Corinthians 14:40 exhorts, “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” Titus 1:5 stands in this trajectory: the Gospel not only saves individuals but also organizes communities under qualified shepherds so that truth may flourish (Titus 1:9). Connection to Old Testament patterns Nehemiah 2:17–18 shows a similar impulse when Nehemiah rallies Jerusalem to rebuild broken walls. 2 Chronicles 29:35–36 describes Hezekiah’s reforms that “set the house of God in order.” These precedents reveal a divine pattern: after covenant failure, God raises leaders to repair, realign, and renew His people. Paul sees Titus in that same prophetic line. Implications for eldership and leadership The verb’s placement before “appoint elders in every town” highlights that the primary instrument for establishing order is godly leadership. Elders must be “blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children” (Titus 1:6). Their presence guards doctrine, models holiness, and counters false teachers (Titus 1:10–11). The appointment of biblically qualified overseers is therefore not optional administration; it is part of the Lord’s corrective and preservative work in His church. Restorative ministry through history Throughout church history reformers have acted in the spirit of Titus 1:5. Athanasius “straightened out” Trinitarian doctrine against Arianism; the Reformers restored Scripture’s authority; evangelical awakenings re-established Gospel clarity amid nominalism. Each movement embraced the call to correct what was deficient, not by innovation, but by returning to apostolic foundations. Contemporary application Modern congregations still face unfinished matters—whether doctrinal drift, neglect of discipline, or lack of qualified leadership. Titus 1:5 reminds pastors and elders that their charge includes identifying deficiencies, applying Scripture’s remedies, and guiding the body toward mature order (Ephesians 4:11–13). Faithful ministry therefore combines proclamation of truth with practical, courageous correction, trusting that Christ’s headship is expressed wherever His word establishes godly order. Forms and Transliterations επιδιορθωση επιδιορθώση ἐπιδιορθώσῃ επιδιπλώσεις επιδίωξον epidiorthose epidiorthōsē epidiorthṓsei epidiorthṓsēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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