ἐπίσταμαι (epistamai)
epistamai
to know/understand
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epistamai describes a focused, attentive kind of knowing. It is not merely passive awareness but involves fixing one’s mind on something to gain understanding. In the New Testament, it appears fourteen times, with significant usage in Acts and Mark, often describing someone who grasps a situation or fact clearly.
Its etymology suggests a middle voice derived from the idea of standing upon or attending to something closely. This distinguishes it from broader terms for knowledge like ginosko or oida. For instance, in Acts 24:10, Paul states he knows (epistamai) the accusations against him, implying a direct, personal acquaintance with the facts rather than general hearsay.
Translators typically render this word as "know" or "understand." The sources note its use with various grammatical constructions, such as knowing a person directly or understanding a matter through a participle. In Mark 14:68, Peter’s denial is linked to his failure to truly know the situation, highlighting the word's weight in describing genuine comprehension of reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epistamai points to a deep, personal grasp of reality, rather than just passing familiarity. It suggests standing close enough to see clearly, fixing your mind on the truth of a situation. In Acts 24:10, Paul uses this term to show he has direct experience with the facts before him, not just second-hand rumors. This kind of knowing brings confidence and clarity when we face difficult conversations or uncertain times.
Yet Scripture also reminds us of our limits. Hebrews 11:8 shows Abraham stepping out in faith without fully knowing where he was going. James 4:14 notes that we do not know what tomorrow holds. This tension invites us to trust God’s guidance even when we cannot see the full picture. We are called to seek understanding, but also to rest in His sovereignty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- know4×
- knowing3×
- you know2×
- understand1×
- they understand,1×
- knowing [these]1×
- Understands1×
- I am acquainted with;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίστασθε5×
- ἐπιστάμενος4×
- ἐπίσταται1×
- ἐπίστανται,1×
- ἐπίστανται1×
- ἐπίσταμαι·1×
- ἐπίσταμαι1×
Key Verses
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Acts 24:10
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
Paul uses this word to emphasize his direct, personal knowledge of the judge’s long service, grounding his defense in factual reality rather than hearsay.
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Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went.
Abraham’s obedience is highlighted by what he did not yet fully grasp, showing that faith often precedes complete understanding.
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Mark 14:68
But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.
Peter’s denial includes a failure to truly comprehend the situation, illustrating how fear can cloud our spiritual perception.
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James 4:14
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
This verse reminds us of human limitation, acknowledging that we cannot fully know or control the future.