Lexical Summary epitédeios: Suitable, necessary, useful, advantageous Original Word: ἐπιτήδειος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance things which are needful. From epitedes (enough); serviceable, i.e. (by implication) requisite -- things which are needful. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epitédes (enough) Definition convenient, necessary NASB Translation necessary (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2006: ἐπιτήδειοςἐπιτήδειος, ἐπιτήδεια, ἐπιτηδειον, also ἐπιτήδειος, ἐπιτηδειον (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 11, 1) (ἐπιτηδές, adv, enough; and this according to Buttmann from ἐπί τάδε (? cf. Vanicek, p. 271)); 1. fit, suitable, convenient, advantageous. 2. needful; plural τά ἐπιτήδεια especially the necessaries of life (Thucydides and following): with addition of τοῦ σώματος, James 2:16. Strong’s Greek 2006, ἐπιτήδιος, speaks of the “necessities” or “things suited” to sustain physical life. The word’s sole New Testament use turns attention to tangible provisions—food, clothing, shelter—without which the human body languishes. While the term itself is rare, its concept permeates Scripture’s call to practical mercy. New Testament Usage James 2:16 offers the only canonical occurrence: “and one of you says to him, ‘Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is that?” (James 2:16). Here ἐπιτήδια identifies the concrete items a destitute brother or sister lacks. James deliberately contrasts hollow words with deeds that supply those items, reinforcing the epistle’s overarching theme that genuine faith expresses itself through works (James 2:17-18). Old Testament and Intertestamental Background In the Septuagint, ἐπιτήδιος often renders Hebrew terms for “appropriate” or “necessary” provisions (e.g., 2 Samuel 12:3; Proverbs 31:27). These passages portray household management, hospitality, and social justice, demonstrating that meeting basic needs is not peripheral, but central, to covenant life. Jewish wisdom literature repeatedly lauds the righteous man who “shares his bread with the poor” (Isaiah 58:7), foreshadowing the New Testament ethic. Historical Setting in Early Christianity First-century believers lived amid economic disparities intensified by famine, persecution, and displacement (Acts 11:27-30; Hebrews 10:34). The church responded with concrete relief: “There were no needy ones among them” (Acts 4:34). Against that backdrop, James exposes the danger of reverting to mere verbal piety reminiscent of Greco-Roman patronage systems, where flattering words often replaced genuine aid. Theological Significance 1. Incarnation Grounding. The call to supply ἐπιτήδια echoes the Word made flesh (John 1:14). As Christ ministered to bodily hunger (Mark 6:42) and illness (Matthew 4:24), believers are summoned to holistic care. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Benevolence Ministries. Local assemblies should maintain readiness to provide food, clothing, and housing assistance, ensuring that no member utters James’s empty benediction. Application for Today Modern believers confront needs both local and global—refugee crises, food insecurity, homelessness. James 2:16 challenges congregations to translate concern into concrete supply: grocery vouchers, job training, medical aid, shelter partnerships. Words of blessing remain indispensable, yet they must accompany actions meeting ἐπιτήδια so that faith may be shown complete. “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth” (1 John 3:18, echoing the principle articulated through ἐπιτήδια). |
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