ἐπιλύω
I explain, interpret, decide
Definition
The verb ἐπιλύω means to 'loosen' or 'release' something, but in its two New Testament occurrences, it carries the figurative sense of 'explaining' or 'interpreting' something that is unclear. In Mark 4:34, it describes Jesus privately 'explaining' his parables to his disciples, providing clarity to spiritual truths. In Acts 19:39, it is used in a legal context, meaning to 'settle' or 'decide' a matter, as the town clerk tells the Ephesian crowd that their grievances must be resolved in the proper legal assembly.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Mark 4:34, it describes the private, instructional explanation Jesus gave to his disciples concerning his public parables. In Acts 19:39, it is used in a secular, civic context, referring to the formal legal settlement of a dispute. This shows the word's flexibility, moving from spiritual interpretation to judicial decision-making.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the verb λύω (lyō, meaning 'to loose' or 'to release'). The compound form intensifies the base meaning, suggesting a thorough 'loosening' or 'untying' of a problem, whether it's a knotty interpretation or a difficult dispute.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights the role of divine explanation in understanding God's revelation. In Mark 4:34, Jesus's act of 'explaining' (ἐπιλύω) the parables underscores the necessity of spiritual insight granted by Christ himself to comprehend the kingdom of God. It points to the disciples' privileged access to truth and the pattern of divine teaching that unlocks the meaning of scripture.
In the Greco-Roman world, the word was used in legal and rhetorical contexts for 'deciding' a case or 'solving' a problem. The usage in Acts 19:39 fits this public, administrative setting perfectly. The application to explaining parables in Mark reflects a common educational practice where a teacher would provide deeper interpretation to students after a public lecture.
ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneuō, G2059) — focuses more on translation or detailed interpretation. διακρίνω (diakrinō, G1252) — emphasizes discerning, judging, or making a distinction between things.
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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