ἐπιμελῶς

carefully, diligently

Definition

The adverb ἐπιμελῶς means 'carefully,' 'diligently,' or 'with great care.' It describes an action performed with attentive, thorough, and conscientious effort. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 15:8, it characterizes the woman's meticulous search for her lost coin, emphasizing the intensity and thoroughness of her effort. This sense of careful, painstaking attention can be applied to other areas of life, such as managing responsibilities or studying scripture, though the biblical text itself focuses on the physical act of searching.

Biblical Usage

ἐπιμελῶς is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 15:8, within Jesus' parable of the lost coin. Here, it modifies the verb 'search' (ζητέω), describing how the woman sweeps her house diligently and carefully until she finds the coin. Its usage is entirely narrative, serving to heighten the imagery of determined, thorough action in a domestic context. This single, vivid usage anchors the word's meaning in concrete, diligent effort.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἐπιμελής ('careful'), which itself combines the preposition ἐπί ('upon,' 'over') and the root μέλομαι, meaning 'to be an object of care or concern.' Thus, ἐπιμελῶς carries the core idea of having care 'upon' a task, implying oversight and attentive management. It is related to the noun ἐπιμέλεια, meaning 'care' or 'attention.'

Semantic Range

Though used only once, ἐπιμελῶς is theologically significant within the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10). It vividly illustrates God's diligent, searching love for the lost. The woman's 'careful' search mirrors the divine pursuit of sinners, emphasizing that God's grace is active, thorough, and leaves no stone unturned. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the intensity and purposeful effort behind God's redemptive work, contrasting it with passive or casual concern.

In the cultural setting, a lost drachma (a day's wage for a laborer) was a significant loss for a poor household. The 'careful' (ἐπιμελῶς) search, involving lighting a lamp and sweeping the entire dirt-floored house, reflects the practical, thorough measures necessary in a dim, humble dwelling. This diligence would have resonated with listeners as a relatable picture of urgent, economical concern, making the spiritual analogy of God's seeking heart all the more powerful.

ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, G199) — emphasizes exactness, precision, or accuracy. σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs, G4709) — emphasizes earnestness, haste, or zeal in effort.

Word Details

Scripture References