ἐπιδιορθόω
epidiorthóō
G1930 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to set right in addition, to further correct, to provide additional correction or rectification; primarily, to put something (often an existing situation, practice, or community) in better order, often through a process of oversight, reform, or improvement—especially regarding community conduct, regulations, or structure. May be used both literally (to further repair or straighten physically) and, most frequently in Koine and Christian usage, figuratively (to set spiritual, ethical, or organizational matters in better order).
Semantic Range
to further straighten, to correct in addition, to provide additional rectification, to further set in order, to reform, to supplement an existing correction
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition ἐπί (upon, over, in addition) and διορθόω (to set straight, correct, rectify), itself built from ὀρθός (straight, upright, correct). Thus, ἐπιδιορθόω intensifies the nuance of 'correction' or 'rectification' by signifying a further or renewed act of setting right.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐπιδιορθόω is rare, occurring most notably in Titus 1:5 in the context of Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the arrangement and correction of community order among assemblies in Crete. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, compound verbs with ἐπί frequently denote a further or additional act beyond what has already been done; thus, ἐπιδιορθόω suggests not the initial correction, but a secondary, continued, or supplementary correction. The usage in Titus draws specifically on this nuance, as Titus is to complete or further set right matters that remain unsettled. In the Septuagint and other Greek literature, the word is barely attested, which reflects its specialized or technical character; διορθόω (to correct, rectify) is more common. In standard English translations, the nuance of 'additional' or 'further' correction may be underrepresented: phrases like 'set in order' or 'put right' sometimes fail to capture the sense of supplementary rectification implied by the prefix. No significant contrast is to be made with parallel verbs except that διορθόω denotes a single act of correction, while ἐπιδιορθόω emphasizes a further, continuing, or supplementary aspect. Attested earliest in post-classical sources, it remains a technical term for processes of communal or structural reform.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and a derivative of ὀρθός; to straighten further, i.e. (figuratively) arrange additionally:--set in order.
Root Family
ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthóō) — to further straighten, to set right in addition, to further correct, to reform
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1930-01 |
ἐπιδιορθώσῃ | epidiorthose | V AOR MID SUBJ 2P SG |
you might set in order | you might further set right for yourself | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1930-01 |
Titus 1:5 | ἐπιδιορθώσῃ | epidiorthose | V AOR MID SUBJ 2P SG |
you might set in order | you might further set right for yourself |