ἐπισκοπή
Oversight
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does ἐπισκοπή (episkopḗ) mean in the Bible?
ἐπισκοπή (episkopḗ) is a Greek word meaning "oversight". ἐπι-σκοπή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX chiey for פָּקַד פְּקֻדָּה ;] __1. Indicates divine inspection and accountability.
Full entry for ἐπισκοπή (G1984) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Divine visitation for inspection or judgment; also the office of overseer/bishop in the church.
Why This Word Matters
Indicates divine inspection and accountability. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
When Peter cites the Psalm about another taking Judas’s ‘office,’ it underscores that leadership among God’s people is a stewardship under God’s authority, capable of being forfeited through unfaithfulness. Acts 1:12-26
Leadership is framed as oversight, implying watchful care and responsibility rather than domination. Luke 19:41–44
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Additional Occurrences
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain