ἐπανόρθωσις (epanorthōsis)
epanorthōsis
correcting
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epanorthōsis refers to the act of correcting or restoring something to an upright state. Derived from roots meaning "again" and "straight," it carries the image of setting something crooked back into alignment. In Scripture, this word appears only once, in 2 Timothy 3:16, where it describes how all Scripture is useful for this specific work of correction.
Its theological weight lies in its focus on restoration rather than mere reprimand. It suggests that teaching and instruction serve to repair the moral and spiritual structure of a person’s life. The term implies a deliberate process of improvement, moving from error or brokenness toward right conduct and character.
Translators typically render this word as "correction," though the Greek root emphasizes the result: a restored integrity. Unlike simple punishment, epanorthōsis points to the constructive work of Scripture in shaping a life that reflects truth and righteousness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels off-balance, the word of God offers a gentle but firm realignment. The term epanorthōsis describes this specific work of Scripture: not merely pointing out what is wrong, but actively restoring integrity to our character. It carries the image of setting something crooked back into its proper place, turning error into right conduct.
This process is constructive rather than punitive. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we see that all Scripture is profitable for this correction. It means every passage can help repair the moral and spiritual structure of your life, guiding you toward a state of wholeness and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- correction,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπανόρθωσιν,1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 3:16
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
This is the only occurrence of the word in Scripture, identifying it as one of the four primary ways God-breathed text serves to restore believers to right conduct.