ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō)
epistrephō
to turn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epistrephō describes a decisive turning, whether physical or spiritual. Its core meaning is to turn around or return, but in Scripture it carries significant weight when applied to faith. It appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in Acts and the Gospels, where it often translates the Hebrew concept of shuv. This connection links Christian conversion to the Old Testament call for Israel to return to covenant loyalty.
While the word can describe simple physical movements, such as Peter turning around in Mark 5:30 or John seeing Jesus in Revelation 1:12, its most profound usage is metaphorical. It signifies a change of direction toward God. Paul uses it to describe Gentiles turning from idols to serve the living God in 1 Thessalonians 1:9, and Peter calls for repentance so that times of refreshing may come in Acts 3:19.
The term implies more than just mental agreement; it suggests a reorientation of life. Translators often render it as "turn" or "convert," capturing the idea of leaving one path and entering another. This active sense of returning to God highlights the dynamic nature of faith in biblical thought, where belief is demonstrated by a changed course of action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epistrephō captures a decisive change of direction. It is not merely a shift in opinion but a physical and spiritual reorientation toward God. When Scripture uses this term, it points to a moment where a person stops moving away from divine truth and begins to walk toward it. This turning involves the whole self—mind, heart, and actions—moving from a path of separation to one of connection with the Creator.
In your daily life, this concept reminds us that faith is dynamic. It is not a static state but an active journey of returning to God’s ways. When you feel distant or struggle with sin, the invitation is always open to turn back. This word offers hope because it emphasizes that no matter how far you have wandered, the path home is clear and accessible through Christ.
Consider the promise in Acts 3:19, where turning again leads to times of refreshing from the Lord. This assurance shows that God welcomes our return with grace rather than rejection. You are invited to take this step today, trusting that your turn toward Him meets a heart ready to receive and restore you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having turned5×
- to turn4×
- he should return3×
- turned2×
- you turned1×
- you have turned back1×
- you have returned1×
- they returned1×
- they may turn1×
- should return.1×
- shall return1×
- shall bring back1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιστρέψας6×
- ἐπιστρέψῃ3×
- ἐπιστρέψωσιν3×
- ἐπιστρεψάτω3×
- ἐπέστρεψεν2×
- ἐπέστρεψαν2×
- ἐπιστρέψαι2×
- ἐπιστρέφειν2×
- ἐπιστραφεὶς2×
- Ἐπιστραφεὶς1×
- ἐπέστρεψα1×
- ἐπιστρέψω1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
This verse links the act of turning again directly to the forgiveness of sins and the experience of spiritual refreshing from God's presence.
-
Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Here the turning is described as a movement from darkness to light and from Satan's power to God, highlighting its comprehensive spiritual impact.
-
Luke 1:16
He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
This prophecy about John the Baptist shows the word applied to turning many Israelites back to the Lord, emphasizing communal restoration.
-
Acts 14:15
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of the same nature as you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
Paul uses this term to urge listeners to turn from empty idols to serve the living God, framing it as a response to the gospel message.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does epistrephō mean in the Bible?
How is epistrephō different from metanoeo?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Does turning to God require human effort?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 4 verses
If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 12:44Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and…
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…
Matthew 24:18Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes.