ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai)
epimeleomai
to care
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epimeleomai means to take active care of someone or something, implying a sustained attention rather than a fleeting glance. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, yet its usage carries significant weight regarding responsibility and stewardship.
Its most notable occurrence is in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34-35), where the traveler tends to the injured man’s wounds and pays for his ongoing care. This action demonstrates a hands-on commitment that goes beyond simple sympathy. The word also appears in 1 Timothy 3:5, linking the ability to manage one’s own household with the capacity to care for the church.
Etymologically, it combines a prefix meaning "upon" or "over" with a root related to care or attention. This structure suggests an oversight that is both protective and attentive. Translators typically render it as "take care of" or "provide for," capturing the practical nature of the duty involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epimeleomai describes a practical, hands-on kind of care that goes beyond simple feelings. It is not enough to feel sympathy for someone in need; this term calls us to active stewardship and sustained attention. When we see it in Scripture, it reminds us that true love often looks like rolling up our sleeves to meet tangible needs.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the traveler does not just offer a kind word from a distance. He binds wounds, provides transport, and ensures ongoing support at an inn. This example shows that caring for others requires both immediate action and long-term commitment. It is a model of responsibility that challenges us to look beyond our own comfort.
Paul also connects this ability to care for others with how we manage our own households. The logic is clear: if we cannot tend to those closest to us, it is difficult to serve the wider community. This word invites us to examine where God has placed us and to offer faithful, attentive care in those specific contexts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will he care for?1×
- took care1×
- do take care1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιμελήσεται;1×
- ἐπιμελήθητι1×
- ἐπεμελήθη1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:34
came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
This verse shows the immediate, physical action of binding wounds and providing transport, illustrating that epimeleomai involves direct intervention in crisis.
-
Luke 10:35
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’
Here the word highlights the commitment to ongoing support and financial responsibility, ensuring the care continues after the Samaritan departs.
-
I Timothy 3:5
(for how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule his own house take care of God’s assembly?)
Paul uses this term to establish a principle of stewardship, linking the ability to manage a family with the capacity to lead the church.