ἐπίγειος (epigeios)
epigeios
earthly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epigeios describes what is earthly or terrestrial, literally meaning "upon the earth." It derives from the preposition epi ("on") and ge ("earth"), pointing to things that belong to this physical realm rather than a higher, spiritual one. In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, primarily in Paul’s letters and John’s Gospel.
This word often contrasts with heavenly realities. For instance, Paul uses it to describe earthly bodies in 1 Corinthians 15:40 and the earthly dwelling of our current body in 2 Corinthians 5:1. It also appears in Philippians 2:10 when mentioning every knee bowing on earth, and in John 3:12 regarding earthly things. James uses it to label wisdom that is not from above (James 3:15). The term simply marks origin or location, distinguishing the material world from the divine sphere.
Translators typically render epigeios as "earthly" or "terrestrial." It carries no inherent moral judgment but serves a descriptive function. It helps readers understand the scope of Jesus’ question in John 3:12 about believing what He said when speaking of earthly matters. The word grounds theological concepts in physical reality, reminding readers that some aspects of existence are tied to this world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epigeios simply describes what belongs to this physical world. It points to the tangible reality of our daily lives, from the ground beneath our feet to the bodies we inhabit. Scripture uses it not to condemn the material realm but to distinguish it from spiritual truths. This distinction helps us understand that while we live in a temporary, earthly existence, our hope is anchored in something eternal.
In passages like 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul contrasts our current physical body with the eternal home God has prepared. This reminder brings comfort during times of change or loss. It assures us that our present struggles are real but not final. We can trust that God sees both our earthly circumstances and His heavenly purposes.
James also uses this term to describe wisdom rooted only in human desire, warning against letting worldly concerns dominate our hearts. Yet, even here, the focus is on direction rather than despair. Christians are invited to seek a wisdom that comes from above, while still engaging faithfully with the world God created. This balance allows us to live with purpose and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- earthly3×
- on earth1×
- earthly;1×
- earthly.1×
- [is] earthly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίγειος2×
- ἐπίγεια2×
- ἐπίγεια·1×
- ἐπιγείων.1×
- ἐπιγείων1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
This verse uses the word to contrast our fragile physical body with the eternal, heavenly dwelling God provides.
-
John 3:12
If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
Jesus uses this term to highlight the challenge of believing spiritual truths when one cannot yet grasp earthly ones.
-
James 3:15
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
Here the word describes a wisdom that is human and unspiritual, standing in contrast to divine insight.