ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos)
allotriepiskopos
meddler
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun allotriepiskopos describes a person who meddles in affairs that do not concern them, specifically those alien to their own calling or role. It is a compound word combining allotrios, meaning "belonging to another," with episkopos, often translated as "overseer" or "supervisor." The term literally paints the image of someone who assumes authority over matters that are not theirs to manage.
This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 4:15. Peter uses it to contrast Christian suffering with self-inflicted trouble. He warns believers that they should not suffer as murderers, thieves, or evildoers, but least of all as an allotriepiskopos. The context suggests this refers to those who stir up trouble by interfering in the lives and responsibilities of others, creating unnecessary conflict within the community.
Unlike a legitimate overseer who cares for what is entrusted to them, the allotriepiskopos crosses boundaries that should remain untouched. This distinction highlights Peter’s concern for order and peace within the church. The word serves as a sharp reminder that not all suffering is noble; some pain results from overstepping one’s proper place and meddling in matters where one has no right to intervene.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word allotriepiskopos paints a vivid picture of someone who assumes authority over matters that are not theirs to manage. It combines the idea of what belongs to another with the role of an overseer, creating a sharp image of boundary-crossing interference. In 1 Peter 4:15, this rare term warns against suffering as a meddler in other people's affairs.
For your daily life, this offers a gentle invitation to trust God’s ordering of relationships. When we feel the urge to control or correct those around us, we often create unnecessary conflict and pain. True peace comes from focusing on our own calling and leaving room for others to walk their path. This freedom allows you to rest in the knowledge that not every problem is yours to solve.
By stepping back from uninvited involvement, you protect your heart from the weariness of managing what belongs to others. It is a practice of humility that honors both your limits and God’s sovereignty. May you find peace in focusing on your own walk with Christ, trusting Him to handle the rest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a troublesome meddler;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος·1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of the word, where Peter explicitly contrasts noble Christian suffering with the self-inflicted trouble that comes from meddling in others' affairs.