ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē)
epiboulē
plot
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epiboulē refers to a secret plan formed specifically to harm someone else. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the book of Acts, where it describes the dangerous political maneuvering that surrounded the apostle Paul’s arrest and imprisonment.
Its meaning is inherently hostile, combining a prefix indicating "upon" or "against" with a root for planning or design. The sources highlight its use in Acts 9:24, where conspirators set an ambush at the city gates to kill Saul, and again in Acts 23:30, when Paul’s nephew reveals the details of this same scheme to his sister’s son. This word captures the calculated nature of these attacks, distinguishing them from spontaneous anger or accidental conflict.
Translators consistently render epiboulē as "plot" or "conspiracy," emphasizing the illicit intent behind the actions. The term underscores the serious opposition faced by early Christian leaders, framing their struggles not merely as theological disagreements but as organized efforts to eliminate key figures through deception and violence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiboulē describes a secret plan formed specifically to cause harm. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the book of Acts. These verses record the dangerous political maneuvering that surrounded the apostle Paul’s arrest and imprisonment. The term captures the calculated nature of these attacks, distinguishing them from spontaneous anger or accidental conflict.
When you read about Paul facing such hostility, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of opposition against him. Yet these accounts remind us that God’s servants have always faced organized resistance. The early church did not escape danger; they navigated it with faithfulness and humility, trusting in God’s protection even when enemies lay in wait.
For your own life, this word offers a quiet comfort. You may encounter hidden schemes or quiet opposition today. Knowing that Paul endured similar plots helps you see that such struggles are part of the Christian journey. God sees these secret plans and remains sovereign over them, offering you peace amid uncertainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- plots1×
- plot1×
- a plot that1×
- a plot1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιβουλῆς2×
- ἐπιβουλὴ1×
- ἐπιβουλαῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:24
but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,
This verse shows the word describing a specific ambush at the city gates where conspirators watched day and night to kill Saul.
-
Acts 20:19
serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
Paul uses this term here to describe the ongoing trials and hidden schemes that caused him many tears during his ministry.
-
Acts 23:30
When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.”
The Roman commander explains he sent Paul to Felix because he learned that Jews were lying in wait with a plot against him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does epiboulē mean in the Bible?
How is epiboulē different from general opposition?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Acts 4 verses
but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,
Acts 20:3When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he…
Acts 20:19serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
Acts 23:30When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to…