ἐπίορκος

perjured

Definition

The adjective ἐπίορκος describes someone who is 'perjured' or 'sworn falsely,' meaning they have broken an oath or vow, particularly one made before God. It carries the sense of violating a solemn promise, which in biblical terms involves dishonesty and unfaithfulness. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 1 Timothy 1:10, it is listed among serious sins that are contrary to sound doctrine, highlighting the gravity of oath-breaking in the Christian moral framework. The term implies not just a legal infraction but a profound breach of trust and truthfulness.

Biblical Usage

ἐπίορκος is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 1:10, where it appears in a vice list cataloging behaviors that oppose healthy teaching. Here, it is grouped with other sins like murder, sexual immorality, and slave-trading, indicating that perjury is considered a severe moral and relational offense within the Christian community. Its placement underscores that faithfulness in speech and vows is integral to a life aligned with the gospel.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') combined with ὅρκος (horkos, meaning 'oath'). Literally, it means 'upon an oath,' conveying the idea of someone who acts over or against their sworn promise. The root ὅρκος is central, relating to solemn affirmations or vows, often invoking divine witness. Thus, ἐπίορκος fundamentally denotes one who violates such a sacred commitment.

Semantic Range

This word matters theologically because it touches on the integrity of human speech and vows before God, reflecting the biblical emphasis on truthfulness and faithfulness. It relates to the Ninth Commandment against false witness and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:33-37 on oaths, where He calls for simple, honest speech. Understanding ἐπίορκος enriches Bible reading by highlighting how oath-breaking disrupts community trust and opposes God's character as truth, underscoring that ethical speech is a core component of Christian discipleship.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds, oaths were solemn, legally binding agreements often made in the name of a deity, making perjury a serious religious and social offense. Breaking an oath was seen as inviting divine judgment and undermining social order. This cultural weight contrasts with some modern contexts where oath-taking may be viewed more casually, emphasizing the term's original gravity as a breach of sacred trust.

ψεύστης (pseustēs, G5583) — a broader term for 'liar' or 'false witness,' not specifically tied to oath-breaking. ἐπιορκέω (epiorkeō, G1964) — the verb form meaning 'to swear falsely' or 'commit perjury.'

Word Details

Scripture References