ἐπισπάω (epispaō)
epispaō
to uncircumcise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epispaō is a rare New Testament term that literally means "to draw on" or "to cover." In its sole biblical occurrence in 1 Corinthians 7:18, Paul uses the middle voice form to describe a specific physical act: drawing the foreskin forward. This was a practice some Jewish men undertook to conceal their circumcision marks, likely to blend in more easily within Greek society where being uncircumcised was the cultural norm.
Paul addresses this not as a medical issue but as a social and religious one. He instructs those who were circumcised at birth not to reverse it, emphasizing that their covenant status remains unchanged regardless of outward appearance. The word highlights the tension between Jewish identity and Hellenistic culture, showing how some believers tried to erase a key marker of their faith to avoid persecution or social stigma.
Its rarity in Scripture underscores the specific historical context of early Christian communities navigating dual identities. While the act itself is not condemned as sinful in this passage, Paul’s instruction prioritizes remaining in the calling one received, rather than altering one’s body to fit external pressures. The term serves as a vivid reminder of the physical costs and social compromises faced by believers in the first century.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epispaō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It describes the act of drawing back the foreskin to conceal circumcision. In the first century, some Jewish believers faced social pressure to hide their identity to fit into Greek culture. Paul addresses this directly, urging them not to reverse what God had already marked on their bodies.
This instruction reminds us that our standing before God does not depend on outward appearance or cultural acceptance. We are called to remain in the situation where God placed us, trusting His grace rather than seeking approval from the world. Your identity is secure in Christ, not in how well you blend in with surrounding norms.
When we feel pressured to change who we are to avoid judgment, this passage offers comfort. You do not need to erase your past or hide your faith to be accepted. God sees your heart and values your obedience more than your conformity. Rest in the truth that you are fully known and fully loved by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he should become uncircumcised;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισπάσθω·1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 7:18
Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
This is the sole biblical occurrence of the word, where Paul commands those circumcised at birth not to reverse the sign through this physical act.