Lexical Summary epitropos: Steward, guardian, manager, overseer Original Word: ἐπίτροπος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance steward, guardianFrom epi and tropos (in the sense of epitrope); a commissioner, i.e. Domestic manager, guardian -- steward, tutor. see GREEK epi see GREEK tropos see GREEK epitrope NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epitrepó Definition an administrator (one having authority) NASB Translation foreman (1), guardians (1), steward (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2012: ἐπίτροποςἐπίτροπος, ἐπιτρόπου, ὁ (ἐπιτρέπω), universally, one to whose care or honor anything has been intrusted; a curator, guardian, (Pindar Ol. 1, 171, et al.; Philo de mundo § 7 ὁ Θεός καί πατήρ καί τεχνίτης καί ἐπίτροπος τῶν ἐν οὐρανῷ τέ καί ἐν κόσμῳ). Specifically, 1. a steward or manager of a household, or of lands; an overseer: Matthew 20:8; Luke 8:3; Xenophon, oec. 12, 2; 21, 9; (Aristotle, oec. 1, 5 (p. 1344a, 26) δούλων δέ εἴδη δύω, ἐπίτροπος καί ἐργάτης). 2. one who has the care and tutelage of children, either where the father is dead (a guardian of minors: 2 Macc. 11:1 2Macc. 13:2; ἐπίτροπος ὀρθανων, Plato, legg. 6, p. 766 c.; Plutarch, Lyc. 3; Cam. 15), or where the father still lives (Aelian v. h. 3, 26): Galatians 4:2. Biblical Occurrences • Matthew 20:8 – “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last and ending with the first.’” Social and Historical Background In first-century Mediterranean culture an epitropos functioned as a trusted agent who exercised delegated authority. He might oversee an estate, manage household finances, supervise labor, or act as guardian for an underage heir. Although he possessed real power, his position was always derivative: he answered to the owner or father and remained accountable for faithful execution of assigned tasks. Usage in the Gospels Matthew employs the term in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. The foreman distributes wages under the owner’s instruction, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty and gracious reward. In Luke, Chuza is identified as Herod Antipas’s steward, underscoring the breadth of the gospel’s reach—right into the administrative household of a regional ruler—and demonstrating how gospel generosity (Joanna’s support of Jesus) can flow from unlikely spheres of influence. Pauline Employment Galatians 4:2 applies epitropos to the legal guardians who managed an heir’s affairs until the father’s appointed time. Paul uses the illustration to contrast life “under the Law” with the full sonship believers enjoy through faith in Christ. The guardian is indispensable during immaturity but relinquishes control when maturity—and inheritance—arrives. Thus the word serves Paul’s argument that Mosaic regulation was temporary, preparatory, and subordinate to the fullness of grace. Theological Themes 1. Delegated Authority and Accountability – Stewards possess real authority yet remain answerable to the true Owner (Matthew 20:8; compare Luke 12:42-48). Old Testament Parallels Joseph ruled Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:4-6) and later Pharaoh’s kingdom (Genesis 41:39-41). Eliezer of Damascus managed Abraham’s estate (Genesis 15:2). These narrative precedents foreshadow New Testament stewardship, revealing a consistent biblical pattern: entrusted servants, full accountability, and ultimate evaluation by the master. Ministry Implications • Church leadership mirrors the epitropos role. Elders “shepherd the flock of God” as those who will “give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). Practical Applications 1. Pursue integrity in handling resources, recognizing they belong to God. Related New Testament Concepts While epitropos emphasizes guardianship and managerial oversight, oikonomos (household manager) and diakonos (servant) complement the picture of servant-leadership. Together they portray believers as entrusted servants who manage God’s varied grace for His glory. Summary Strong’s 2012 paints a vivid portrait of stewardship—authority delegated by the Master, responsibility to nurture and provide, and an inevitable day of reckoning. Whether overseeing laborers, administering royal property, or guiding a child-heir, the epitropos reminds the church that faithful service under God’s authority brings honor to Him and blessing to others. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 20:8 N-DMSGRK: ἀμπελῶνος τῷ ἐπιτρόπῳ αὐτοῦ Κάλεσον NAS: said to his foreman, 'Call KJV: unto his steward, Call INT: vineyard to foreman of him Call Luke 8:3 N-GMS Galatians 4:2 N-AMP Strong's Greek 2012 |
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