ἐπιτροπή

epitropḗ

G2011 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act of giving authority or permission; a granting of leave or license. In various contexts, refers to authorization to do something, the delegation of power, or the state of being entrusted with a responsibility. May also denote the office, function, or period for which such authority is conferred.

Semantic Range

permission, allowance, license, commission, entrusting of responsibility, tenure of office or charge, concession (in moral or legal matters)

Root / Etymology

From the verb ἐπιτρέπω (to permit, to allow), formed with the noun-forming suffix -ή. The term encapsulates the meaning of something entrusted or permitted, linking back to the action of granting authority.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπιτροπή commonly refers to (1) permission or the granting of license, (2) the period or tenure of stewardship or guardianship, or (3) the commission or powers given to a person or group. In documentary papyri and official decrees of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it is frequently used for formal delegations or commissions, as well as the act of entrusting authority, such as in administrative or legal contexts. In the New Testament (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:6), it denotes a concession or an allowance, not a direct command. Standard English translation 'permission' often narrows the sense to bare allowance; in Koine usage, it can imply official empowerment, delegation, or the formal entrusting of authority or duty, at times including both the act and the term or period of such authority. It stands in contrast with ἐξουσία (right, authority) and πρόσταγμα (order, decree), being focused on permitted action or charge rather than permanent office or command.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπιτρέπω; permission, i.e. (by implication) full power:--commission.

Root Family

ἐπιτροπή (epitropē) — permission, authorization, entrusting, commission, delegated authority

Root ἐπιτροπ- to allow, to entrust, to authorize, to permit

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2011-01 ἐπιτροπῆς epitropes N GEN F SG commission of entrusted authority of entrusted authority 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2011-01 Acts 26:12 ἐπιτροπῆς epitropes N GEN F SG commission of entrusted authority of entrusted authority