ἔπαυλις
épaulis
G1886 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A dwelling place, typically a rural homestead, farmstead, or country residence; in context, denotes a place of permanent or semi-permanent residence, often outside the urban center. May also refer to a building complex associated with agricultural activity or a country estate. The primary sense is of a place established for living, especially in contrast to city structures.
Semantic Range
country dwelling, farmstead, rural residence, estate, habitation, home, rural building complex
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐπί (on, upon) and αὐλή (courtyard, enclosure, sometimes a dwelling or farm). Formed as a compound meaning literally 'upon the courtyard' or 'on a farm enclosure.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἔπαυλις is found primarily in Hellenistic Greek to designate rural dwellings as opposed to urban homes (οἶκος) or tent-dwellings (σκηνή). In literature such as Polybius and Strabo, ἔπαυλις refers to farmsteads or country houses that serve as the center of agricultural life, sometimes including both residence and associated landholdings or buildings. The Septuagint uses this term to translate Hebrew references to rural settlements or agricultural villages, emphasizing distinction from walled cities. In the New Testament, ἔπαυλις is very rare but retains this rural or estate-oriented sense. Standard English translations like 'habitation' may obscure the rural or agricultural nuance, while 'farmstead' or 'country home' may better capture the typical Hellenistic usage. Related terms include οἶκος ('house'), οἰκία ('home'), and αὐλή (sometimes 'court,' 'enclosure,' or 'farm').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and an equivalent of αὐλή; a hut over the head, i.e. a dwelling:--habitation.
Root Family
ἔπαυλις (epaulis) — enclosure, courtyard, dwelling
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1886-01 |
ἔπαυλις | epaulis | N NOM F SG |
homestead | rural homestead | rural homestead | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1886-01 |
Acts 1:20 | ἔπαυλις | epaulis | N NOM F SG |
homestead | rural homestead | rural homestead |