ἐπαρκέω (eparkeō)
eparkeō
to help
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eparkeō describes the act of providing relief or assistance to someone in need. Its core meaning is rooted in strength and capability: it signifies being "strong enough" to handle a burden or situation for another person’s benefit. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the First Epistle to Timothy, where it addresses the practical responsibilities of the church community.
In these passages, Paul instructs believers on caring for widows who have no other family support. The context highlights that true help involves using one’s own resources to relieve another’s distress. This is not merely a casual gesture but a substantial effort to ward off hardship. The word emphasizes the adequacy of the helper and the tangible nature of the aid provided, reflecting a duty to ensure that those without means are sustained by the community.
The term carries a sense of sufficiency, implying that the helper must have the capacity to meet the need effectively. It is not about empty sympathy but about concrete action that alleviates suffering. By using this word, the text underscores the importance of personal responsibility and material support in maintaining the welfare of vulnerable members within the faith community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eparkeō reminds us that faith is lived out in practical strength. It means to be sufficient for a need, offering real help rather than just sympathy. In Timothy’s letters, Paul uses this term to describe caring for widows who have no one else. This calls believers to use their own resources to lift others from hardship.
When we see someone struggling, we are invited to step in with what we have. It is not about having everything figured out, but about being willing to share what you do possess. This kind of support strengthens the whole community, ensuring that no one bears their burden alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she should help1×
- she has imparted relief,1×
- it may impart relief.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπήρκεσεν,1×
- ἐπαρκέσῃ.¶1×
- ἐπαρκείτω1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:16
If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.
Paul uses this word to instruct believers to care for their own widows first, preventing the church from being overwhelmed by those who have family support.
-
I Timothy 5:10
being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
The text lists relieving the afflicted as a mark of good works, showing that this active help is a key part of a believer's approved life.