ἐπιστολή (epistolē)
epistolē
epistle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word epistolē refers to a written message sent from one person to another. In the New Testament, it appears twenty-three times, most frequently in Acts and the letters of Paul. It translates the Hebrew term for letter found in the Old Testament and covers everything from formal official documents to personal correspondence between believers.
While often translated simply as "letter," the word carries a sense of authority because its root implies something sent by command or instruction. Papyri from the period show it used in administrative contexts, such as official dispatches or public notices. This background helps explain why Paul could refer to his own writing as an epistle that carried weight and required obedience, as seen when he instructs the Thessalonians to follow his written directives (2 Thessalonians 3:14).
The term also highlights the tangible nature of early Christian communication. In Acts 15:23, the Jerusalem council sends a formal letter to Gentile believers, demonstrating how these documents served as authoritative links between distant communities. Even when Paul mentions previous letters that are no longer extant, such as in 1 Corinthians 5:9, the term epistolē denotes a specific, physical text intended to guide the church’s conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about letters in the New Testament, we are looking at more than just old paper. An epistle was a tangible link between communities separated by distance and danger. Paul did not write to be vague; he wrote to guide, correct, and encourage specific groups of people who needed direction. These documents carried weight because they were sent with authority and care, bridging the gap between the apostles and the early churches.
This reality reminds us that God’s Word is also a letter sent to us. It is not abstract philosophy but practical instruction for daily life. Just as the early believers read these texts aloud to ensure everyone understood their duty, we too are invited to let Scripture shape our conduct. The same Spirit who inspired those ancient writers now speaks through the pages we hold today, offering clarity in a confusing world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- letter8×
- letters7×
- letter,4×
- a letter2×
- letters.1×
- letter;1×
- letter.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιστολὴν4×
- ἐπιστολῶν3×
- ἐπιστολὴ3×
- ἐπιστολῆς2×
- ἐπιστολὰς2×
- ἐπιστολῶν.1×
- ἐπιστολῆς,1×
- ἐπιστολῇ·1×
- ἐπιστολῇ,1×
- ἐπιστολῇ1×
- ἐπιστολήν.1×
- ἐπιστολήν,1×
Key Verses
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II Corinthians 3:2
You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men,
Paul redefines the concept of a letter by pointing to the believers themselves as living documents written by the Spirit, shifting focus from ink to transformed hearts.
-
II Thessalonians 3:17
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter. This is how I write.
This verse highlights Paul’s personal signature in every letter, serving as a guarantee of authenticity against false teachings circulating at the time.
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Acts 15:30
So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
The Jerusalem council used this formal letter to unite Jewish and Gentile believers, showing how written communication resolved significant doctrinal disputes across distances.
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II Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.
Paul links oral teaching with written letters, establishing both as equally authoritative sources for the traditions Christians are called to hold firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an epistle and a gospel?
Why did Paul write so many letters?
Are all New Testament books considered epistles?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 8 books)
Acts 5 verses
and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or…
Acts 15:30So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
Acts 22:5as also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers,…
Acts 23:25He wrote a letter like this:
Acts 23:33When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.