ἐπιτήδειος (epitēdeios)
epitēdeios
necessary
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epitēdeios describes something that is suitable, convenient, or advantageous for a specific purpose. Its root suggests being "enough" or sufficient, pointing to practical utility rather than abstract beauty. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in James 2:16, where it qualifies the basic necessities of life.
James uses the term to describe material needs like food and clothing. He argues that wishing someone well without providing these essentials is empty. The word highlights the tangible nature of true faith, emphasizing that appropriate action requires meeting concrete human needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epitēdeios points to what is truly necessary for life’s basic survival. In James 2:16, it describes the essential things the body needs, such as food and clothing. This term moves faith from abstract wishes into tangible reality.
When we hear someone in need, our response matters more than our words. Genuine care involves providing what is actually required for their well-being. It reminds us that love is shown through practical support and meeting concrete needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- needful things1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιτήδεια1×
Key Verses
-
James 2:16
and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
This verse uses the word to specify the material essentials like food and clothing that constitute true care for someone in need.