ἐπιταγή (epitagē)
epitagē
command
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epitagē refers to a formal command or authoritative injunction. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, as well as in Corinthians. The word carries the weight of official instruction, often issued by someone with recognized authority to direct the behavior of others.
Its meaning is highlighted in how it is qualified. In Titus 2:15, Paul urges teaching "with all authority," using the phrase meta pasēs epitagēs to emphasize that his instructions are not mere suggestions but binding directives for the community. This usage aligns with its classical roots, where it denoted a decree or mandate rather than a casual request.
The term underscores the seriousness of apostolic teaching. By choosing this word, Paul distinguishes his guidance from personal opinion, framing it as a divine commission that requires obedience. It serves as a reminder that Christian instruction is grounded in established authority and carries significant responsibility for those who receive it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epitagē points to a formal command issued by someone with recognized authority. In the New Testament, it appears in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, as well as in Corinthians. It is not a casual suggestion but a binding directive that carries weight because of who issues it.
When Paul writes about giving instruction meta pasēs epitagēs (with all authority) in Titus 2:15, he emphasizes that his teaching is grounded in divine commission. This reminds us that Christian guidance is not based on personal opinion but on established truth. It calls for careful attention and obedience from those who receive it.
Understanding this word helps us see how seriously Scripture treats instruction. Whether we are leaders or learners, we can trust that God’s commands come with purpose and clarity. They invite us to live in alignment with His will, not out of fear but out of respect for the authority behind them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- command.1×
- authority.1×
- a commandment1×
- a command1×
- [the] commandment1×
- [the] command1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιταγὴν4×
- ἐπιταγῆς.1×
- ἐπιταγήν.1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 2:15
Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Paul uses this word to show that his teaching carries full authority, not just personal opinion.
-
I Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope,
Paul identifies himself as an apostle acting under the command of God and Christ, grounding his mission in divine authority.
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Titus 1:3
but in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
The gospel message Paul delivers is entrusted to him by God’s command, showing it is not human invention but divine revelation.
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I Corinthians 7:6
But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
Paul distinguishes between concession and command, clarifying that some instructions are flexible while others carry binding weight.