ἐπιμέλεια (epimeleia)
epimeleia
care
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epimeleia refers to active care or attentive concern for someone or something. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 27:3, where a centurion shows this practical regard by allowing Paul to visit friends in Sidon. The word captures a sense of diligent oversight rather than passive feeling.
Its root verb describes being careful or attentive. This usage highlights the tangible nature of the care involved. It is not merely an abstract concept but a concrete action taken to ensure well-being. The single biblical occurrence grounds the term in a real-world scenario of hospitality and protection during a difficult journey.
Translators typically render it as "care" or "attention." This choice reflects the straightforward, functional meaning found in the text. The word serves as a reminder that Christian community often involves practical steps to look after one another's needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epimeleia appears just once in the New Testament, found in Acts 27:3. During a perilous sea voyage, a centurion named Julius showed practical care for Paul by allowing him to visit friends in Sidon. This was not a vague feeling but a concrete action taken to ensure well-being during a difficult journey.
Christian community often looks like this tangible support. It is the friend who brings a meal when you are sick, or the colleague who covers your shift when you are overwhelmed. These small acts of attention reflect the heart of God, who notices our needs and provides for them through the people around us.
We can take comfort in knowing that God uses ordinary moments to show His love. When we extend care to others, we participate in His work of restoration. May you feel supported by your community and empowered to offer kindness to those in need.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- care1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιμελείας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:3
The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
This verse uniquely demonstrates epimeleia as a practical decision by a leader to grant freedom for rest during a crisis.