ἐπιστήμων (epistēmōn)
epistēmōn
knowing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epistēmōn describes a person who is knowledgeable, skilled, or experienced in a specific area. Derived from the verb epistasthai ("to know" or "understand"), it carries the weight of practical expertise rather than mere theoretical awareness. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in James 3:13, where it qualifies the kind of wisdom that is demonstrated through good conduct.
James uses this word to contrast true spiritual maturity with empty boasting. He writes that a person who is epistēmōn should show their works in gentleness. This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, such as Deuteronomy 1:13, where it refers to men of wisdom and experience chosen for leadership. The term implies that genuine knowledge is validated by action and character.
Unlike abstract intellectualism, this word points to a lived competence. It suggests that what one knows must be evident in how one lives. James connects this expertise directly to humility, indicating that real skill in godliness is marked by a gentle spirit rather than pride or self-seeking ambition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epistēmōn describes a person who is knowledgeable, skilled, or experienced in a specific area. Derived from the verb epistasthai ("to know" or "understand"), it carries the weight of practical expertise rather than mere theoretical awareness. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in James 3:13, where it qualifies the kind of wisdom that is demonstrated through good conduct. James uses this word to contrast true spiritual maturity with empty boasting. He writes that a person who is epistēmōn should show their works in gentleness.
This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, such as Deuteronomy 1:13, where it refers to men of wisdom and experience chosen for leadership. The term implies that genuine knowledge is validated by action and character. Unlike abstract intellectualism, this word points to a lived competence. It suggests that what one knows must be evident in how one lives.
James connects this expertise directly to humility, indicating that real skill in godliness is marked by a gentle spirit rather than pride or self-seeking ambition. When we seek to understand God's ways, we are called to embody that understanding through our daily interactions and choices. This kind of wisdom is not just about knowing facts but about living them out with grace and integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- understanding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιστήμων1×
Key Verses
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James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
This verse uses epistēmōn to define true wisdom as something demonstrated through good conduct and gentleness, contrasting it with empty boasting.