ἐπίλοιπος
remaining, that is left over
Definition
ἐπίλοιπος is an adjective meaning 'remaining,' 'that which is left over,' or 'still left.' It describes something that persists or endures after other parts have been used, passed, or completed. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 1 Peter 4:2, it specifically modifies 'time' (χρόνος), referring to the remainder of one's earthly life. The word carries a sense of a defined, finite period that is yet to be lived out.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 4:2. It appears in a paraenetic (exhortative) context, where believers are instructed to live 'for the rest of the time in the flesh' (τὸν ἐπίλοιπον ἐν σαρκὶ χρόνον) no longer for human passions but for the will of God. Its usage is specific to describing the duration of one's mortal life following a conversion or decisive change in orientation.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') combined with the root of the adjective λοιπός (loipos, meaning 'remaining,' 'the rest'). It is a compound word that intensifies or specifies the sense of 'what is left over,' essentially meaning 'that which remains upon' or 'the surplus that is still there.'
Semantic Range
In 1 Peter 4:2, ἐπίλοιπος is theologically significant as it frames the Christian life post-conversion. It underscores the believer's call to intentional, purposeful living for God's will during their remaining earthly existence. Understanding this Greek term highlights the New Testament's view of life as a stewardship—a finite, precious resource to be dedicated wholly to God, contrasting a past life governed by sin.
The concept of a 'remaining' portion of time or life was common in Greco-Roman thought, often carrying a sense of urgency or opportunity. In a Christian context, this cultural understanding of life's brevity is transformed into a call for moral and spiritual reorientation, investing one's remaining days in divine purposes rather than worldly pursuits.
λοιπός (loipos, G3062) — The simpler, more common base word for 'remaining' or 'the rest,' without the compounded emphasis of ἐπί.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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