Lexical Summary episémos: Notable, distinguished, marked, prominent Original Word: ἐπίσημος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance notable, of note. From epi and some form of the base of semaino; remarkable, i.e. (figuratively) eminent -- notable, of note. see GREEK epi see GREEK semaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and the same as sémainó Definition bearing a mark, notable NASB Translation notorious (1), outstanding (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1978: ἐπίσημοςἐπίσημος, ἐπίσημον (σῆμα a sign, mark); 1. properly, having a mark on it, marked, stamped, coined: ἀργύριον, χρυσός (Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Polybius, Josephus). 2. tropically, marked (Latininsignis), both in a good and bad sense; in a good sense, of note, illustrious: Romans 16:7 (Herodotus and following); in a bad sense, notorious, infamous: Matthew 27:16 (Euripides, Or. 249; Josephus, Antiquities 5, 7, 1; Plutarch, Fab. Max. 14; others). Strong’s Greek 1978 conveys the idea of being marked, distinguished or renowned. In Scripture it describes either an honored reputation for faithfulness (Romans 16:7) or a notorious reputation for wickedness (Matthew 27:16). The adjective therefore measures the public weight of a person’s name—whether glorious or infamous—before both God and people. Scriptural occurrences 1. Matthew 27:16 – Barabbas is called “a notorious prisoner” held by the Romans during Passover. The term highlights how deeply his crimes were etched into public memory. Historical-cultural background In classical Greek, the word described athletes whose victories were celebrated in song, magistrates whose decrees were publicly posted, or cities famed for their monuments. In Roman society, honor or disgrace circulated rapidly through inscriptions, heralds and legal edicts. The New Testament writers borrow this cultural yardstick to show how the gospel can transform public reputation: once-violent rebels can become redeemed witnesses, and quiet servants can become widely esteemed. Romans 16:7 in ministry perspective • Apostolic recognition: Andronicus and Junia were not part of the Twelve, yet their missionary labor was so evident that the apostolic circle acknowledged them. Matthew 27:16 as a cautionary mirror The same adjective brands Barabbas. Popular renown divorced from righteousness can harden hearts against the very Messiah who offers deliverance. The crowd’s demand for Barabbas illustrates how notoriety can distort public judgment when virtue is ignored. Theological themes Reputation before God and the community matters. Scripture neither exalts fame for its own sake nor dismisses it as unspiritual. Rather, it insists that the gospel redirects human notice toward what honors Christ (Philippians 2:15). Pastoral applications 1. Cultivate faithfulness, not applause. Genuine recognition grows out of obedience, often through sacrifice. Summary Strong’s 1978 reminds believers that every life leaves a mark. The gospel enables that mark to become a testimony of grace rather than a monument to sin. Whether in the spotlight like Barabbas or in quiet service like Andronicus and Junia, the question remains: what reputation will our names carry in the earthly record and in the Lamb’s book of life? Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:16 Adj-AMSGRK: τότε δέσμιον ἐπίσημον λεγόμενον Ἰησοῦν NAS: they were holding a notorious prisoner, KJV: then a notable prisoner, INT: then a prisoner notable called Romans 16:7 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 1978 |
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