ἐπιστροφή
epistrophḗ
G1995 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Turning back, returning, or a change in direction (literal or figurative). In a moral or metaphorical sense, a turning to something or someone, often indicating a return to a previous state, an act of seeking again, or changing allegiance or attitude. In religious texts, commonly refers to a person's turning to God or to a new way of life, frequently translated as 'conversion' but also capable of encompassing ideas of restoration or reorientation.
Semantic Range
a turning back, return, reorientation, act of seeking again, change in allegiance or attitude, conversion (moral or religious), restoration, act of coming back to a former state
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἐπιστρέφω (to turn, to turn back, to return, to convert), itself from the preposition ἐπί (upon, to) and στρέφω (to turn).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπιστροφή primarily denotes literal turning or returning, such as a physical turning around or returning to a place. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, its sense broadens and acquires a figurative, especially moral and religious, dimension. In these texts, it often refers to turning or returning to God, a change of heart, or embracing a different allegiance or path. While English translations frequently render ἐπιστροφή as 'conversion,' this term may obscure its broader sense of returning, restoration, or change. The word does not inherently imply a specific religious context, but the moral and religious nuance became prominent in Second Temple Greek and subsequent literature. It contrasts with similar terms like μετάνοια (metanoia), which emphasizes change of mind or repentance, whereas ἐπιστροφή highlights the act of turning or reorienting oneself.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπιστρέφω; reversion, i.e. morally, revolution:--conversion.
Root Family
ἐπιστροφή (epistrophē) — turning, returning, change of direction, reorientation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1995-01 |
ἐπιστροφὴν | epistrophen | N ACC F SG |
conversion | a turning back | turning back | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1995-01 |
Acts 15:3 | ἐπιστροφὴν | epistrophen | N ACC F SG |
conversion | a turning back | turning back |