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G1980 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπισκέπτομαι
episkeptomai
Verb
visit, look after, care for, select

Definition

Episkeptomai means to visit, to look upon with care, to inspect and provide for, or to select/choose from. It is the verb form behind episkopos (overseer/bishop). The word implies active, purposeful attention — not merely stopping by but coming to examine the need and provide for it. God 'visits' His people with salvation; believers are to 'visit' widows and orphans.

Usage & Theological Significance

This word is central to the theology of incarnation and practical holiness. When God 'visits' (episkeptomai) His people in the Exodus or in the birth of Christ (Luke 1:68 — 'He has come and redeemed his people'), He sees need and acts. James 1:27 defines pure religion as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction — using the same root. The bishop/overseer (episkopos) is one who embodies this character: actively caring for, looking after, providing for. Christ is the ultimate episkopos of our souls (1 Pet 2:25).

Key Bible Verses

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after [episkeptomai] orphans and widows in their distress.
Matthew 25:36 I was sick and you looked after [episkeptomai] me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Luke 1:68 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed [epeskepsato] them.
Acts 15:36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us go back and visit [episkeptomai] the believers in all the towns where we preached.'
1 Peter 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer [episkopos] of your souls.

Related Words

External Resources

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