Strong's Lexicon epoptés: Eyewitness, Overseer Original Word: ἐπόπτης Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐποπτεύω (epopteuō), meaning "to oversee" or "to watch over." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "epoptés," the concept of being an eyewitness is present in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with the word עֵד (ed), meaning "witness." Usage: The term "epoptés" is used to describe someone who has firsthand experience or has directly observed an event. In the New Testament, it conveys the idea of being an eyewitness to significant events, particularly those of a divine or revelatory nature. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the term "epoptés" was often used in the context of religious mysteries and rites, where initiates were considered "eyewitnesses" to sacred truths. This background enriches its New Testament usage, emphasizing the authenticity and authority of the apostles' testimony about Jesus Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and the fut. of horaó Definition a looker-on, i.e. a spectator NASB Translation eyewitnesses (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2030: ἐπόπτηςἐπόπτης, ἐπόπτου, ὁ (from unused ἐπόπτω); 1. an overseer, inspector, see ἐπίσκοπος; (Aeschylus, Pindar, others; of God, in 2 Macc. 3:39 2Macc. 7:35; 3Macc. 2:21; Additions to Esther 5:1; ἀνθρωπίνων ἔργων, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59, 3 [ET]). 2. a spectator, eye-witness of anything: so in 2 Peter 1:16; inasmuch as those were called ἐπόπται by the Greeks who had attained to the third (i. e. the highest) grade of the Eleusinian mysteries (Plutarch, Alcib. 22, and elsewhere), the word seems to be used here to designate those privileged to be present at the heavenly spectacle of the transfiguration of Christ. From epi and a presumed derivative of optanomai; a looker-on -- eye-witness. see GREEK epi see GREEK optanomai |
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