Lexical Summary epimeleomai: To care for, to take care of, to look after Original Word: ἐπιμελέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take care of. Middle voice from epi and the same as melo; to care for (physically or otherwise) -- take care of. see GREEK epi see GREEK melo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and meló Definition to take care of NASB Translation take care (2), took care (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1959: ἐπιμελέομαιἐπιμελέομαι, ἐπιμελοῦμαι, and ἐπιμέλομαι: future ἐπιμελήσομαι; 1 aorist ἐπεμελήθην; with the genitive of the object, to take care of a person or thing (ἐπί denoting direction of the mind toward the object cared for (cf. ἐπί, D. 2)): Luke 10:34; 1 Timothy 3:5. (Genesis 44:21; 1 Macc. 11:37; 1 Esdr. 6:26; used by Greek writers especially of prose from Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope The verb ἐπιμελέομαι describes purposeful, ongoing attention to another’s needs—care that is both practical and protective. It connotes more than momentary sympathy; the caregiver assumes responsibility until the need is fully addressed. Occurrences in the New Testament • Luke 10:34 – The Samaritan “took care of him.” Narrative Significance in Luke 10 The Good Samaritan parable anchors the word in compassionate action. The Samaritan moves beyond initial aid, returning the next day to ensure continued care. This illustrates neighbor-love that transcends ethnic boundaries and models Christ-like mercy. Pastoral Implications in 1 Timothy 3 Paul links household leadership to oversight of the local church. Effective care for family displays character and skill transferable to shepherding God’s people. The term implies vigilance, relational investment, and sustained engagement—qualities essential for elders. Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Mediterranean world, inns offered minimal security. Travelers depended on patrons who would “care for” them, covering costs and advocating for their wellbeing. Likewise, household heads were expected to manage resources and protect dependents. The New Testament appropriates this cultural vocabulary to describe kingdom ethics and church governance. Theological Emphasis 1. Reflection of Divine Care: God “cares” for His flock (compare Ezekiel 34:11-16). Human caregivers mirror His shepherd-heart. Old Testament Parallels • Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Both passages anticipate the New Testament call to vigilant, sacrificial oversight. Ministry Applications 1. Benevolence: Churches imitate the Samaritan by sustained aid to the wounded—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Contemporary Relevance In an age of transient connections, the biblical mandate to “take care” summons Christians to long-term commitment—whether mentoring youth, supporting the elderly, or guarding doctrinal purity. True discipleship requires more than good intentions; it demands intentional, persevering care modeled after the Samaritan and fulfilled in Christ. Forms and Transliterations επεμεληθη επεμελήθη ἐπεμελήθη Επιμεληθητι επιμελήθητι Ἐπιμελήθητι επιμελησεται επιμελήσεται ἐπιμελήσεται επιμελού επιμελούμαι epemelethe epemelēthē epemelḗthe epemelḗthē epimelesetai epimelēsetai epimelḗsetai Epimeletheti Epimelēthēti Epimelḗtheti EpimelḗthētiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 10:34 V-AIP-3SGRK: πανδοχεῖον καὶ ἐπεμελήθη αὐτοῦ NAS: him to an inn and took care of him. KJV: an inn, and took care of him. INT: an inn and took care of him Luke 10:35 V-AMP-2S 1 Timothy 3:5 V-FIM-3S Strong's Greek 1959 |
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