2012. epitropos

Lexicon

epitropos: Steward, guardian, manager, overseer

Original Word: ἐπίτροπος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: epitropos
Pronunciation: eh-PEE-tro-pos
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-it'-rop-os)
Definition: Steward, guardian, manager, overseer
Meaning: (a) (procurator) a steward, (b) (tutor) a guardian (appointed for an infant [under 14 perhaps] by the father or by a magistrate).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

steward, guardian

From 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 Origin
from epitrepó
Definition
an administrator (one having authority)
NASB Translation
foreman (1), guardians (1), steward (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2012: ἐπίτροπος

ἐπίτροπος, 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.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "over" or "upon") and the verb τρέπω (trepo, meaning "to turn" or "to direct").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of stewardship and guardianship in the Old Testament can be related to several Hebrew terms, though there is no direct equivalent to ἐπίτροπος. Some related Hebrew words include:
• נָגִיד (nagid, Strong's Hebrew 5057): A leader or ruler, often used in the context of someone who has been appointed to a position of authority.
• שָׁר (sar, Strong's Hebrew 8269): A prince, chief, or official, indicating someone with authority or oversight.
• פָּקִיד (paqiyd, Strong's Hebrew 6496): An overseer or officer, one who is appointed to manage or supervise.

These Hebrew terms, like ἐπίτροπος, convey the idea of entrusted authority and responsibility, underscoring the biblical emphasis on faithful stewardship.

Usage: The term ἐπίτροπος is used in the New Testament to describe a person who has been given authority or responsibility over certain tasks or people. It often refers to a guardian or manager who oversees the affairs of another, particularly in the context of managing a household or estate.

Context: The Greek term ἐπίτροπος appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize stewardship and responsibility. In Galatians 4:2, the word is used to describe a guardian or manager who is responsible for overseeing the affairs of a child until the child reaches maturity: "The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father" (BSB). This passage highlights the role of the ἐπίτροπος as one who exercises authority and care over the heir, ensuring that the estate is managed properly until the heir is ready to assume full responsibility.

The concept of an ἐπίτροπος is rooted in the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with responsibilities and are expected to manage them faithfully. This role is not limited to financial or material management but extends to spiritual and communal responsibilities as well. The ἐπίτροπος is accountable to the one who has entrusted them with their duties, reflecting the biblical principle that all authority and stewardship ultimately derive from God.

In the cultural context of the New Testament, an ἐπίτροπος would have been a familiar figure, often appointed by a father to manage the affairs of his household or estate, especially in the case of minor children. This role required trustworthiness, wisdom, and the ability to make decisions that aligned with the interests of the one who appointed them.

Forms and Transliterations

επιτροπου επιτρόπου ἐπιτρόπου επιτροπους επιτρόπους ἐπιτρόπους επιτροπω επιτρόπω ἐπιτρόπῳ epitropo epitropō epitrópoi epitrópōi epitropou epitrópou epitropous epitrópous

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 20:8 N-DMS
GRK: 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
GRK: γυνὴ Χουζᾶ ἐπιτρόπου Ἡρῴδου καὶ
NAS: Herod's steward, and Susanna,
KJV: of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna,
INT: wife of Chuza a manager of Herod and

Galatians 4:2 N-AMP
GRK: ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ ἐπιτρόπους ἐστὶν καὶ
NAS: but he is under guardians and managers
KJV: is under tutors and governors
INT: but under guardians he is and

Strong's Greek 2012
3 Occurrences

ἐπιτρόπῳ — 1 Occ.
ἐπιτρόπου — 1 Occ.
ἐπιτρόπους — 1 Occ.