ἐπίσημος (episēmos)
episēmos
notable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word episēmos describes something that bears a visible mark, originally referring to currency that has been stamped and officially coined. This physical sense carries over into a metaphorical meaning: anything that is notable or conspicuous because it stands out from the ordinary.
In the New Testament, this distinction appears in two contrasting ways. In Romans 16:7, it describes Mary and Junias as "notable" among the apostles, suggesting they were distinguished by their reputation for good works. Conversely, Matthew 27:16 uses it to describe Barabbas as a "notorious" prisoner, marking him as infamous rather than illustrious.
The word’s root relates to a sign or mark (sēma), emphasizing that notoriety and honor both stem from being clearly identified by public recognition. Translators often render it simply as "notable," but the term inherently carries the weight of being well-known for a specific reason, whether positive or negative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word episēmos carries the image of a coin stamped with an official seal. In the ancient world, this mark proved authenticity and value. When applied to people, it suggests they stand out in the community because their lives bear visible evidence of their faith or actions.
This visibility is not always positive. The Gospels use it for Barabbas, a prisoner known for his notorious reputation. Yet in Romans 16:7, Paul uses it for Andronicus and Junia, describing them as notable among the apostles. Here, the mark of distinction comes from their faithful witness and early commitment to Christ.
Your life also leaves a visible mark. Whether through quiet service or bold testimony, your actions speak to those around you. May your reputation be one that points others toward the hope found in Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of note1×
- notable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίσημον1×
- ἐπίσημοι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
Paul uses this term to highlight Andronicus and Junia’s distinguished status among the apostles, linking their notability to their early faith in Christ.
-
Matthew 27:16
They had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas.
The crowd identifies Barabbas by his notorious reputation, showing how the word can mark someone for infamy rather than honor.