From G1909 (epi, upon) and G4141 (plesso, to strike). Literally 'to strike upon' โ to rebuke or reprove with severity. Used only once in the New Testament (1 Timothy 5:1), where Paul specifically prohibits this action toward elders. The rarity of the word emphasizes the gravity of the instruction.
Paul's command 'Rebuke not (epiplesso) an elder, but intreat him as a father' (1 Tim 5:1) establishes a crucial principle of pastoral leadership: correction within the church must be governed by familial respect, not authoritarian power. The word epiplesso implies a harsh, public striking with words โ the kind of verbal assault that humiliates rather than restores. The theological principle extends beyond elders: all correction in Christ's body should aim at restoration (Galatians 6:1), not demolition.