ἐπιτρέπω

I allow, permit

Definition

The verb ἐπιτρέπω primarily means 'to allow, permit, or give permission.' In the New Testament, it often describes granting someone the authority or freedom to do something, as when Jesus permits the demons to enter the swine (Mark 5:13, Luke 8:32). It can also carry the sense of 'to entrust' or 'to turn over to,' reflecting its etymological roots. In some contexts, like Matthew 19:8, it is used regarding legal or moral permissions granted under the Mosaic law, indicating a concession rather than an ideal.

Biblical Usage

ἐπιτρέπω appears 18 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts. It is frequently used in narratives involving requests for permission, such as disciples asking to bury their father (Matthew 8:21, Luke 9:59) or Pharisees questioning divorce laws (Mark 10:4, Matthew 19:8). The usage consistently revolves around an authority figure (like Jesus, God, or a master) granting or withholding consent to a subordinate.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the verb τρέπω (trepō, meaning 'to turn'). The compound thus conveys the idea of 'to turn over to' or 'to entrust to someone's care,' which evolved into the more general sense of 'to permit' or 'to allow.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights themes of divine authority and human submission. Jesus' use of permission (e.g., allowing the demons' request) demonstrates His sovereign control over the spiritual realm. In ethical discussions, like divorce, it reveals God's permissive will within the old covenant, contrasting with His original design. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying when biblical permissions are concessions versus affirmations.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἐπιτρέπω was a legal and social term involving the granting of rights or authority by a superior (like a master, father, or ruler). This cultural backdrop illuminates its biblical usage, where requests for permission reflect societal hierarchies and the recognized authority of Jesus as a teacher and miracle-worker.

ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, G863) — often 'to forgive' or 'to leave,' but can mean 'to allow' in a more general sense of letting something happen. συγχωρέω (synchōreō, G4774) — to concede or yield, often in a context of agreement or compromise.

Word Details

Scripture References