ἐπιτιμάω (epitimaō)
epitimaō
to rebuke
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epitimaō primarily means to rebuke, censure, or admonish sharply. While its root relates to assigning value or setting a price, in Scripture it shifts toward imposing a measure of correction or authority. It appears twenty-nine times in the New Testament, with significant usage in Luke’s Gospel and the Synoptic accounts of Jesus’ ministry.
This word carries a distinct force of command rather than gentle suggestion. Jesus uses it to silence disruptive forces, such as when He rebukes a demon (Mark 1:25) or calms a storm (Mark 4:39). It also appears in human interactions, like when the disciples attempt to stop children from approaching Him, prompting Jesus to rebuke them (Mark 10:13), or when Peter criticizes Jesus’ prediction of suffering, leading to a sharp reproof (Mark 8:32).
The term reflects an exercise of authority to restore order or correct course. Translators often render it simply as "rebuked," but the Greek implies a decisive act of judgment or restriction. Whether addressing spiritual powers or human behavior, the word signifies a firm assertion of rightful control to align reality with divine will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epitimaō carries a weight that goes beyond simple criticism. It describes a firm command used to restore order or correct a course. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this authority not out of anger, but to protect what is holy and to bring peace where there is chaos. When He rebukes the wind or silences a demon, He is asserting His rightful control over creation to align it with God’s will.
This same power extends to our daily lives. We see Jesus rebuke His disciples when they try to keep children away, showing that He values the vulnerable and rejects barriers to His love. It reminds us that divine authority is often protective rather than punitive. Whether facing inner turmoil or external opposition, we can trust that Christ’s commands are designed to bring healing and calm.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in moments of instability. It assures you that the same voice that calmed the storm is present in your struggles. You do not need to force peace through your own strength; instead, you can rely on His authoritative word to bring stillness to your heart and home.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He rebuked7×
- rebuked6×
- were rebuking3×
- to rebuke2×
- do rebuke2×
- He warned2×
- rebuking [them]1×
- rebuking1×
- having strictly warned1×
- do rebuke,1×
- Would [that] he rebuke1×
- Rebuked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπετίμησεν14×
- ἐπετίμων3×
- ἐπιτίμησον2×
- ἐπιτιμῶν2×
- ἐπιτιμᾶν2×
- ἐπετίμησαν2×
- ἐπιτίμησον,1×
- ἐπιτιμήσας1×
- ἐπιτιμήσαι1×
- ἐπετίμα1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
This verse highlights the word's power over nature, showing Jesus commanding chaos to cease with a single rebuke.
-
Mark 8:33
But he, turning around and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”
Here the rebuke is directed at Peter, illustrating how Jesus corrects human perspectives that oppose God's plan.
-
Luke 17:3
Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.
This occurrence shifts the focus to community life, instructing believers to use this corrective authority for restoration among brothers and sisters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does epitimaō mean in the Bible?
How is this word different from general criticism?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (29 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 6 verses
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there…
Matthew 12:16and commanded them that they should not make him known,
Matthew 16:22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.”
Matthew 17:18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour.
Matthew 19:13Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…