ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō)
epitassō
to command
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epitassō carries the clear sense of issuing a formal command or charge. It appears ten times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. The word conveys authority that demands compliance, often used to describe Jesus’ direct orders to people or spiritual forces.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of power. In Mark 1:27 and Luke 4:36, the crowds marvel at Jesus because he commands with authority, unlike the scribes. This same force is seen when he silences storms or demons, as in Mark 9:25. The term also appears in practical settings, such as Herod’s order to behead John the Baptist in Mark 6:27, showing its application to earthly decrees as well.
The word combines a prefix meaning "upon" with a root related to laying down rules. This structure emphasizes the weight of the instruction. Translators typically render it as "command," which captures the decisive nature of the action without adding emotional nuance. It remains a straightforward term for authoritative speech in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epitassō describes a direct, authoritative command. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it when speaking to demons or nature, showing that His word carries final weight. When He tells a storm to be still or a spirit to leave, the creation obeys immediately. This reveals a power that goes beyond human instruction; it is the voice of the Creator asserting order.
We also see this term in practical settings, such as when Jesus directs people to sit for a meal or when leaders issue official decrees. It reminds us that authority exists to bring structure and peace. For believers, understanding this helps us trust that the same Lord who commands the winds is actively guiding our lives with purpose.
His commands are not arbitrary but flow from His loving care. When we face chaos, we can rest in the knowledge that He speaks with clarity and power. This assurance invites us to listen closely to His guidance in our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He commands2×
- you did command,1×
- to order1×
- he would command1×
- he commanded1×
- commanded1×
- command1×
- He commands,1×
- He commanded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέταξεν3×
- ἐπιτάσσει2×
- ἐπέταξας,1×
- ἐπιτάσσω1×
- ἐπιτάσσειν1×
- ἐπιτάσσει,1×
- ἐπιτάξῃ1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
This verse highlights the crowd's amazement at Jesus' unique authority over unclean spirits, distinguishing His command from that of the scribes.
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Luke 4:36
Amazement came on all and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Here the text explicitly links His authoritative command with power, resulting in the immediate departure of demons.
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Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”
Jesus uses this strong verb to directly order a mute and deaf spirit to leave, demonstrating decisive spiritual authority.
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Luke 8:25
He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, “Who is this then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”
The disciples marvel at His ability to command natural elements like wind and water, prompting a question about His identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does epitassō mean in the Bible?
How is epitassō different from other words for command?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
Mark 4 verses
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with…
Mark 6:27Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head; and he went and beheaded him…
Mark 6:39He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.
Mark 9:25When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf…