ἐπιστρέφω

I turn back to

Definition

The verb ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) fundamentally means 'to turn' or 'to return,' encompassing both physical and spiritual turning. In a transitive sense, it means to turn something or someone back, as when Jesus turns and sees the woman who touched his garment (Mark 5:30). In its more significant intransitive sense, it describes a person turning back, often implying repentance and a decisive return to God, as seen in Jesus's call for people to turn and be healed (Matthew 13:15, Acts 3:19). It can also denote a return to a previous state or location, like a demon returning to a house (Matthew 12:44), or a metaphorical 'coming to oneself,' as in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:17, though the exact word is not used there, the concept is parallel).

Biblical Usage

ἐπιστρέφω is used 38 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. In the Gospels, it often describes physical turning (Matthew 9:22, Mark 5:30) or cites the prophetic call for spiritual repentance (Matthew 13:15, Mark 4:12). In Acts and the Epistles, its usage becomes almost exclusively theological, denoting conversion and turning to the Lord from idols (Acts 9:35, 14:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:9). This pattern shows a development from general physical action to a specialized term for repentance and faith in early Christian preaching.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'to') and the verb στρέφω (strephō, meaning 'to turn' or 'to twist'). The compound emphasizes a turning toward or upon something. Its root, στρέφω, is common in Greek, and the prefixed form intensifies the directional focus, leading to meanings of return, conversion, or reversal.

Semantic Range

ἐπιστρέφω is a key theological term for repentance and conversion in the New Testament. It captures the holistic biblical idea of turning away from sin and turning toward God in faith. This 'turning' is not merely a change of mind but a reorientation of one's entire life. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia) is often accompanied by this active, decisive 'turning' (ἐπιστρέφω), as seen in passages like Acts 26:18-20. It is central to the gospel proclamation in Acts.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the concept of 'turning' or 'returning' was deeply embedded. In the Jewish context, it translated the Hebrew concept of שׁוּב (shuv), a central theme in the prophets calling for a return to covenant faithfulness. For Greek speakers, the word could describe a physical about-face or a change in loyalty. The New Testament authors harness this rich background to communicate a radical reorientation of life toward the God of Israel revealed in Jesus.

μετανοέω (metanoeō, G3340) — emphasizes a change of mind and heart, the internal aspect of repentance. στρέφω (strephō, G4762) — the simpler root verb meaning 'to turn,' without the directional focus of 'back to' or 'toward.'

Word Details

Scripture References