A Greek verb meaning to support adequately, to relieve need, to provide sufficient assistance. From epi (upon/for) and arkeo (to be sufficient/ward off). Used in 1 Timothy 5:10,16 in Paul's instructions on caring for widows.
Paul's instructions on widows in 1 Timothy 5 reveal the church's calling to be a community of practical eparkeo — genuine material relief for the most vulnerable. The widow who is "truly a widow" (5:5) — one who has no family and who puts her hope in God — is to be supported by the community. But family members who can help (v.16) are expected to do so first, so the church's resources can go to those who have no one. The theology here is that God's care for the vulnerable (Psalm 68:5 — "father to the fatherless") is embodied in the tangible acts of provision that the community makes for those in genuine need.