ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthoō)
epidiorthoō
to straighten out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epidiorthoō means to set something in proper order or to correct it. It combines the idea of further action with the concept of making things straight. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Titus 1:5, where Paul instructs Titus to address the disorganized state of churches in Crete.
Its root suggests a practical, administrative correction rather than a moral or spiritual reformation. Paul uses it to describe the task of appointing elders and fixing structural issues within the local congregations. The word implies that the situation was not merely bad, but out of alignment, requiring specific steps to restore proper function.
This rare usage highlights the early church’s need for organized leadership. By choosing this term, Paul emphasizes that spiritual communities require practical order to thrive. The focus is on establishing clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the community operates as intended.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epidiorthoō carries a practical sense of setting things in proper order. It suggests that when life or community feels disorganized, there is a clear path toward restoration through specific, intentional steps. This term appears in Titus 1:5, where Paul instructs Titus to address the structural needs of the early church by appointing elders. The focus here is not on abstract spiritual ideals but on concrete actions that bring clarity and stability to a community.
For your faith journey, this word reminds us that God often works through practical means to heal and restore. Whether you are dealing with personal disarray or challenges in your church family, the call to 'set things in order' invites you to take deliberate steps toward alignment. It is an encouragement that disorder does not have to be permanent; with wisdom and care, proper function can be restored.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may set in order1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιδιορθώσῃ1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
This verse shows the word applied to the practical task of appointing leaders to correct organizational gaps in the church.