Lexical Summary epitrepó: To permit, to allow, to give leave Original Word: ἐπιτρέπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance give leave, let, permit. From epi and the base of trope; to turn over (transfer), i.e. Allow -- give leave (liberty, license), let, permit, suffer. see GREEK epi see GREEK trope NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and the same as tropé Definition to turn to, entrust, hence to permit NASB Translation allow (2), allowed (2), gave...permission (2), given...permission (1), granted permission (1), permit (4), permits (2), permitted (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2010: ἐπιτρέπωἐπιτρέπω; 1 aorist ἐπέτρεψά; passive (present ἐπιτρέπομαι); 2 aorist ἐπετραπην; perfect 3 person singular ἐπιτέτραπται (1 Corinthians 14:34 R G); from Homer down; 1. to turn to, transfer, commit, intrust. 2. to permit, allow, give leave: 1 Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3; τίνι, Mark 5:13; John 19:38; with an infinitive added, Matthew 8:21; Matthew 19:8; Luke 8:32; Luke 9:59, 61; Acts 21:39; 1 Timothy 2:12; and without the dative Mark 10:4; followed by an accusative with an infinitive Acts 27:3 (where L T Tr WH πορευθέντι); cf. Xenophon, an. 7, 7, 8; Plato, legg. 5, p. 730 d. Passive ἐπιτρέπεται τίνι, with an infinitive: Acts 26:1; Acts 28:16; 1 Corinthians 14:34. STRONGS NT 2010a: ἐπιτροπεύω [ἐπιτροπεύω; (from Herodotus down); "to be ἐπίτροπος or procurator": of Pontius Pilate in Luke 3:1 WH (rejected) marginal reading; see their Appendix at the passage. The verb appears in eighteen New Testament passages and always concerns “permission” given or withheld. Sometimes the initiative is divine, sometimes human, but in every case authority, order and moral purpose are in view. Divine Concession versus Divine Ideal Matthew 19:8 and Mark 10:4 record Jesus’ explanation that “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.” Permission here is a concession, not an endorsement, underscoring how divine forbearance accommodates fallen weakness while still pointing back to God’s creational design for marriage (Genesis 2:24). The passage reminds believers to distinguish between what God merely allows and what He positively wills. Christ’s Sovereign Permission over the Spiritual Realm In the Gerasene exorcism (Mark 5:13; Luke 8:32) the demons “begged” Jesus for leave to enter a herd of pigs, and “He gave them permission.” Their request and His consent highlight Christ’s unchallenged authority: the powers of darkness cannot act apart from His word. The drowning of the swine demonstrates judgment on unclean spirits and the priceless worth of a single redeemed soul compared with material loss. Providence Guiding Redemptive History Joseph of Arimathea received Pilate’s approval to remove Jesus’ body (John 19:38). What appeared as a routine administrative decision fulfilled prophecy that the Messiah would be buried “with a rich man” (Isaiah 53:9). God’s sovereign permission quietly directed civil authority to accomplish salvation history. Apostolic Courtesy within Civil Structures Repeatedly Luke notes the Roman system granting Paul opportunity to minister: • Acts 21:39–40 – Paul seeks and receives leave to address the crowd in Jerusalem. The pattern models respectful appeal to governing powers (Romans 13:1), showing how God can open doors through secular authority for gospel witness. Contingency on the Lord’s Will Both Hebrews 6:3 and 1 Corinthians 16:7 hinge future plans on divine allowance: “And this we will do, if God permits.” Such language cultivates humble dependence (James 4:15). Ministry strategy, spiritual maturity and personal travel are submitted to God’s overruling right. Order in Congregational Life The verb marks two decisive pastoral prohibitions: • 1 Corinthians 14:34 – “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak…” Paul grounds these limits in creation (1 Timothy 2:13) and the law (1 Corinthians 14:34), establishing a trans-cultural principle for corporate worship and authoritative teaching. The passages safeguard complementary male leadership while honoring women’s manifold gifts within scriptural boundaries (Titus 2:3–5; Acts 18:26). Prayerful Evangelistic Initiative In Acts 21:39 Paul asks, “I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” The request reflects evangelistic urgency coupled with submission to order. Believers today likewise seek lawful avenues for proclamation, praying that God would “open to us a door for the word” (Colossians 4:3). Pastoral Discernment about Instruction Hebrews 6:3 teaches that progressing from elementary doctrine to deeper truths requires divine clearance. Teachers must wait on the Lord’s timing, ensuring hearers are ready lest truth be squandered (Matthew 7:6). Spiritual growth is ultimately a gift God grants. Key Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty: Nothing proceeds without God’s consent. Practical Implications • Seek civil compliance when evangelizing; God often works through lawful channels. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:21 V-AMA-2SGRK: αὐτῷ Κύριε ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον NAS: to Him, Lord, permit me first KJV: unto him, Lord, suffer me first INT: to him Lord allow me first Matthew 19:8 V-AIA-3S Mark 5:13 V-AIA-3S Mark 10:4 V-AIA-3S Luke 8:32 V-ASA-3S Luke 8:32 V-AIA-3S Luke 9:59 V-AMA-2S Luke 9:61 V-AMA-2S John 19:38 V-AIA-3S Acts 21:39 V-AMA-2S Acts 21:40 V-APA-GMS Acts 26:1 V-PIM/P-3S Acts 27:3 V-AIA-3S Acts 28:16 V-AIP-3S 1 Corinthians 14:34 V-PIM/P-3S 1 Corinthians 16:7 V-ASA-3S 1 Timothy 2:12 V-PIA-1S Hebrews 6:3 V-PSA-3S Strong's Greek 2010 |
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