ἐπίορκος (epiorkos)
epiorkos
perjurer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epiorkos describes someone who has sworn a false oath, literally meaning "upon an oath" in a deceptive sense. In the New Testament, it appears only once, serving as a substantive noun for a "perjurer" in 1 Timothy 1:10. This single usage places the word within a list of behaviors that contradict sound doctrine, highlighting the seriousness of breaking sacred vows.
Its formation combines epi ("upon") and horkos ("oath"), emphasizing the act of invoking a divine witness while lying. The term carries significant theological weight because it treats oath-breaking not merely as a social lie but as a direct offense against God’s truthfulness. Translators consistently render it as "perjurer" or "liar," capturing the specific breach of trust inherent in false swearing.
While rare in Scripture, the word underscores the biblical view that oaths are binding commitments before God. Its presence in Paul’s ethical list reminds readers that integrity in speech is foundational to Christian witness, linking honest communication directly to reverence for divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiorkos refers to someone who breaks a sacred oath. It describes a person who calls upon God as a witness while deliberately speaking a lie. This is not just a social breach of trust; it is an offense against the character of God Himself. In ancient times, oaths were serious commitments that invoked divine judgment if broken.
Paul lists this behavior in 1 Timothy 1:10 alongside other serious sins. He places it as contrary to sound doctrine because integrity in speech reflects our reverence for God's truth. When we make promises or vows, we are acknowledging God's presence and authority. Breaking such a vow dishonors Him.
For your daily life, this word invites you to examine your own speech. Are your yeses and nos reliable? Do you keep your commitments even when it is difficult? Cultivating honesty in small matters helps us honor God in the big ones. It is a call to live with transparency before Him and others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for perjurers,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιόρκοις,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:10
for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine,
This verse uniquely identifies epiorkos as a specific category of sin that stands in direct opposition to the sound doctrine Paul is defending.