An adverb meaning carefully, with due diligence, or with thorough attention to detail. Used by Jesus in the Parable of the Lost Coin to describe the woman's methodical search for what is precious and lost.
Luke 15:8: 'Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?' The adverb epimelōs — carefully, thoroughly, with complete attention — reveals the character of the Seeker. The woman's methodical search (light the lamp, sweep the house, search everywhere) mirrors God's pursuit of the lost. Nothing is casual about divine grace. The Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine; the woman lights every lamp; the Father runs while the son is 'still a great way off.' Epimelōs is the adverb of relentless divine love — grace that searches every corner until it finds what is precious.