ἐπιλύω (epiluō)
epiluō
to explain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epiluoō carries the basic sense of untying or releasing something that is bound. In the New Testament, it moves from this physical image to a metaphorical one: solving a problem, settling a dispute, or explaining something obscure. It appears only twice in the New Testament, each time in a context where clarity is needed.
In Mark 4:34, Jesus explains the parables to his disciples privately. Here, epiluoō describes the act of making hidden meanings clear and accessible. Similarly, in Acts 19:39, it refers to settling a legal controversy or explaining the proper course of action for a crowd in turmoil. The word suggests bringing order to confusion by untangling complex issues.
Its root combines epí ("upon") and lúō ("to loose"). This combination implies loosening something that is already in place, perhaps clarifying a situation that has become tangled. Translators often render it as "explain" or "settle," capturing the idea of resolving ambiguity through clear communication.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiluoō paints a vivid picture of untying knots. Imagine a tangled rope that seems impossible to straighten. This Greek verb describes the careful work of loosening those tight bindings so the path becomes clear again. In our daily lives, we often face situations where truth is obscured by confusion or complexity. We long for someone who can untangle the mess and show us the way forward.
Jesus used this kind of clarity when He spoke to His disciples after teaching in parables. Mark 4:34 tells us that privately, He explained everything. He did not leave them guessing. He took the hidden meanings and made them accessible. This shows us that God desires understanding, not confusion. He invites us into a relationship where things are made plain.
When life feels like a knot you cannot loosen, remember that clarity is a gift. It comes from seeking understanding and trusting in the One who untangles our doubts. You do not have to carry the weight of confusion alone. Peace comes when we let God’s truth loosen the tight spots in our hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will be solved.1×
- He was explaining1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέλυεν1×
- ἐπιλυθήσεται.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:34
Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
This verse highlights Jesus’ personal commitment to ensuring His disciples understood the deeper spiritual truths hidden in His parables.
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Acts 19:39
But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.
Here the term shifts to a civic context, showing how proper explanation and legal order can resolve public unrest.