ἐπιστάτης
epistatēs
master
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιστάτης (epistatēs) is a term with a clear and specific meaning: master. This title denotes a person who holds authority and control over a particular area or position, such as a master of a household. The seven occurrences of this word in the Bible indicate its importance in the social hierarchy of ancient times. Its usage suggests that the concept of mastery was relevant in various settings, including household management (as in the case of 1 Timothy 3:4, 5, and Titus 1:6, 9 where the master is expected to be blameless and of good behavior) and possibly even in official or administrative positions. The brevity of its occurrences, however, suggests that this term was not commonly used, further emphasizing its specific and authoritative tone.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 8:24They came to him, and awoke him, saying, “Master, master, we are dying!” He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm.
Luke 8:24They came to him, and awoke him, saying, “Master, master, we are dying!” He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm.
Luke 8:45Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
Luke 9:33As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not knowing what he said.
Luke 9:49John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.”
Luke 17:13They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”