Lexical Summary epistates: Master, Overseer Original Word: ἐπιστάτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance master. From epi and a presumed derivative of histemi; an appointee over, i.e. Commander (teacher) -- master. see GREEK epi see GREEK histemi HELPS Word-studies 1988 epistátēs (from 1909 /epí, "appropriately on, fitting," which intensifies 2476 /hístēmi, "standing") – properly, the legal standing of ownership referring to the master-in-charge, i.e. the one fully authorized (aptly acknowledged as the leader). 1988 /epistátēs ("Master") supremely refers to Jesus, the head (owner) of all things (cf. Jn 1:3; Col 1:15,18). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1988: ἐπιστάτηςἐπιστάτης, ἐπιστατου, ὁ (ἐφίστημι), any sort of a superintendent or overseer (often so in secular writings, and several times in the Sept., as Exodus 1:11; Exodus 5:14; 1 Kings 5:16; 2 Kings 25:19; Jeremiah 36:26 Topical Lexicon Etymology and Cultural Background The vocative ἐπιστάτα belongs to a family of words used in Greek civic and military life for a superintendent, overseer, or commander. In the Greek Old Testament it sometimes designates officials with delegated authority. Luke alone adopts the term as a form of address to Jesus, giving his Gentile readers a familiar word that conveyed unquestioned authority without the Jewish overtones of “Rabbi.” Occurrences and Narrative Settings 1. Luke 5:5 – Simon Peter, weary from a fruitless night’s labor, replies, “Master, we have worked through the night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” The title precedes the first miraculous catch of fish, introducing Jesus as sovereign over nature and livelihood. Themes of Authority and Discipleship • Immediate Obedience: Simon’s nets, the lepers’ journey to the priests, and the nameless exorcist all show that recognizing Jesus as Epistata elicits action grounded in trust. Comparative Synoptic Usage Where Matthew and Mark record “Teacher” (διδάσκαλε) or “Rabbi,” Luke supplies ἐπιστάτα. The differing vocabulary testifies to complementary perspectives rather than contradiction. The historical Jesus was addressed by many honorifics; the Spirit guided each evangelist to select terms that best served his audience. Luke’s choice underscores the universal scope of Christ’s authority for a Hellenistic readership. Faith, Miracles, and Mastery Each utterance of ἐπιστάτα precedes or follows a miracle. The title becomes a liturgical cue: acknowledge the Master, anticipate divine intervention. Luke thereby teaches that confession of Jesus’ mastery and reliance on His mercy form the gateway to experiencing His power. Application for Contemporary Believers 1. Confession precedes obedience—Peter’s “Master… because You say so” remains the model response to Christ’s commands that challenge human calculation. Historical Ministry Significance Luke’s exclusive retention of ἐπιστάτα offers a window into early Christian proclamation. By investing a secular Greek term with messianic depth, the Gospel demonstrates how the church translated the lordship of Christ into every culture without diluting its power. The sevenfold use in pivotal narratives anchors the confession of Jesus as sovereign, compassionate commander—a truth as vital for present discipleship as it was on the shores of Galilee. Forms and Transliterations Επιστατα επιστάτα Ἐπιστάτα επιστάται επιστάτας επιστάτην επιστάτης επιστατών Epistata EpistátaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 5:5 N-VMSGRK: Σίμων εἶπεν Ἐπιστάτα δι' ὅλης NAS: and said, Master, we worked hard KJV: unto him, Master, we have toiled INT: Simon said Master through whole Luke 8:24 N-VMS Luke 8:24 N-VMS Luke 8:45 N-VMS Luke 9:33 N-VMS Luke 9:49 N-VMS Luke 17:13 N-VMS |
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