1965. epiorkos

Lexicon

epiorkos: Perjurer, false swearer

Original Word: ἐπίορκος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: epiorkos
Pronunciation: eh-pee-OR-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee'-or-kos)
Definition: Perjurer, false swearer
Meaning: perjured, sworn falsely.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

perjurer

From epi and horkos; on oath, i.e. (falsely) a forswearer -- perjured person.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK horkos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from epi and horkos
Definition
sworn falsely, a perjurer
NASB Translation
perjurers (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1965: ἐπίορκος

ἐπίορκος, ἐπιορκον (from ἐπί (which see D. 7) against, and ὅρκος); (masculine as a substantive) a false swearer, a perjurer: 1 Timothy 1:10. (From Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and ὅρκος (horkos, meaning "oath").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of oath-breaking in the Hebrew Scriptures can be related to several Hebrew terms, though there is no direct equivalent to ἐπίορκος. Relevant entries include:
• Strong's Hebrew 7650 (שָׁבַע, shaba): To swear, take an oath.
• Strong's Hebrew 8267 (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): Falsehood, lie, deception.
• Strong's Hebrew 5307 (נָפַל, naphal): To fall, used metaphorically for failing or breaking an oath.

These Hebrew terms collectively convey the gravity of false swearing and the expectation of truthfulness in one's commitments before God and others.

Usage: The word ἐπίορκος is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who commit perjury or violate their sworn promises. It highlights the moral and ethical breach involved in breaking one's word, especially in a legal or solemn context.

Context: The Greek term ἐπίορκος appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the seriousness of oath-breaking. In Matthew 5:33, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths, urging His followers to maintain integrity in their speech: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.'" This teaching underscores the importance of truthfulness and the avoidance of false swearing.

The concept of ἐπίορκος is rooted in the broader biblical principle that God values truth and integrity. Throughout Scripture, oaths are seen as solemn promises made before God, and breaking them is considered a serious offense. The Old Testament also reflects this view, where oaths are binding and must be fulfilled (e.g., Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23).

In the cultural and religious context of the New Testament, oaths were often used to affirm truthfulness in legal and personal matters. However, Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount calls for a higher standard of honesty, where one's word should be sufficient without the need for oaths. This reflects a call to live in a manner consistent with God's truth, avoiding the sin of perjury and the label of ἐπίορκος.

Forms and Transliterations

επιορκοις επιόρκοις ἐπιόρκοις επίορκος epiorkois epiórkois

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 1:10 Adj-DMP
GRK: ἀνδραποδισταῖς ψεύσταις ἐπιόρκοις καὶ εἴ
NAS: and liars and perjurers, and whatever
KJV: for liars, for perjured persons, and
INT: men-stealers liars perjurers and if

Strong's Greek 1965
1 Occurrence

ἐπιόρκοις — 1 Occ.