ἐπιβουλή

a plot, design against

Definition

ἐπιβουλή refers to a deliberate, secret plan or scheme intended to harm someone, specifically a 'plot' or 'conspiracy' against a person. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes hostile designs aimed at trapping or killing individuals, particularly targeting Christian leaders. For example, in Acts 9:24, the Jews in Damascus plot to kill Saul (Paul), and in Acts 20:3, the Jews make plots against Paul as he plans to travel to Syria. The term emphasizes the premeditated and treacherous nature of these actions, always involving a group conspiring against a specific target.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the book of Acts, appearing four times, and always in the context of Jewish opposition to the early Christian mission. It describes conspiracies formed against the Apostle Paul by certain Jewish groups. In Acts 20:19, Paul references the 'plots of the Jews' he faced while serving in Ephesus. In Acts 23:30, the Roman tribune Claudius Lysias uses the term in his official letter, reporting he learned of a 'plot' against Paul, which underscores the formal and dangerous nature of these schemes.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'against') combined with βουλή (boulē, meaning 'counsel' or 'purpose'). The compound literally means 'a plan against' someone. Βουλή is a common word for deliberate intention or will, so ἐπιβουλή specifically denotes counsel or purpose that is hostile and directed against another.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the reality of spiritual opposition and persecution faced by the early church. It shows that the spread of the gospel was met with organized, clandestine resistance, fulfilling Jesus' warnings that his followers would be handed over to persecution (e.g., Matthew 10:17). Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing the calculated dangers Paul and others endured, underscoring themes of divine protection (as seen in God's deliverance from these plots) and the cost of discipleship.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, political and religious plots were a recognized danger. Formal accusations and conspiracies, like those against Paul, could lead to mob violence or legal proceedings. The term implies a secretive agreement among a group, which differed from open opposition or debate. Recognizing this context helps modern readers appreciate the serious, life-threatening situations described in Acts, which were not merely disagreements but organized attempts to eliminate key figures.

δόλος (dolos, G1388) — emphasizes deceit or treachery, often in a more general sense of guile. μηχανή (mēchanē, G3380) — a device or scheme, sometimes with a neutral or mechanical connotation, less specifically hostile. συνωμοσία (synōmosia, G4945) — a conspiracy or banding together by oath, a closer synonym but not used in the NT.

Word Details

Scripture References