ἐπισκέπτομαι

I look upon, visit, look out, select

Definition

The verb ἐπισκέπτομαι primarily means 'to visit' or 'to look upon with care and concern.' In the New Testament, it often carries the sense of a purposeful, caring visitation, especially to help those in need, as seen in Jesus's teaching about visiting the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:36, 43). It can also mean 'to look upon' in the sense of God's gracious attention, such as His redemptive visitation of His people (Luke 1:68, 78). In a more administrative context, it means 'to look out for' or 'select,' as when the apostles instructed the church to select seven men of good repute (Acts 6:3).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 11 times across the Gospels and Acts. Its usage patterns show two main contexts: divine visitation and human, compassionate action. In Luke's writings, it describes God's merciful intervention in salvation history (Luke 1:68, 78; 7:16). In Matthew 25 and Acts, it describes the practical duty of caring for others (visiting the needy) and the administrative task of selecting qualified individuals (Acts 6:3; 15:14). Acts 7:23 uses it for Moses 'visiting' his fellow Israelites.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the root verb σκέπτομαι (skeptomai, meaning 'to look at' or 'examine'). The compound form intensifies the meaning to 'look upon with attention' or 'inspect.' This root is related to words like ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, G1985, 'overseer' or 'bishop'), highlighting the concept of oversight and care.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges divine action and human responsibility. It describes God's gracious, saving intervention in Christ—His 'visitation' to redeem His people (Luke 1:68, 78). Simultaneously, it defines a core Christian ethic: true faith is demonstrated by actively 'visiting' and caring for the marginalized (Matthew 25:36-43). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by showing that Christian charity is a reflection of God's own caring oversight.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, 'visitation' was not a casual social call. For God to 'visit' His people was a profound concept from the Old Testament (e.g., Exodus 4:31, LXX), implying decisive intervention, either for blessing or judgment. Human visitation of the sick or imprisoned was a recognized duty of mercy and piety, but Christ's teaching in Matthew 25 elevates it to a criterion for final judgment, giving it ultimate spiritual significance.

θεωρέω (theōreō, G2334) — to look at, observe, often with a focus on beholding or contemplating. βλέπω (blepō, G991) — to see, look at, perceive; a more general term for physical sight. ἐπισκοπέω (episkopeō, G1983) — to oversee, watch over; shares the 'epi-' root and concept of supervision.

Word Details

Scripture References