ἐπιστρέφω
epistrephō
to turn
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) is a verb that means "to turn." Its definition is straightforward, indicating a physical or figurative change in direction. With 36 occurrences in the Bible, this word is used across various contexts to convey different shades of meaning. In its physical sense, ἐπιστρέφω can describe a literal turning, such as turning from one place to another (e.g., Acts 9:31). However, in a more figurative sense, it often implies a change of heart, moral direction, or spiritual orientation (e.g., Acts 15:19, 3 John 1:9). This dual usage showcases the word's versatility and highlights its significance in conveying the complexities of human behavior and decision-making. The frequency and varied usage of ἐπιστρέφω underscore its importance in the biblical narrative, where it often serves as a catalyst for transformation and renewal. By examining this word, we gain insight into the human experience, where turning points can lead to profound changes in our lives, relationships, and spiritual journeys.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
36 total occurrences across the text
If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 12:44Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came out,’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again; and I would heal them.’
Matthew 24:18Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes.
Mark 8:33But he, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”
Mark 4:12that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’ ”
Mark 5:30Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
Mark 13:16Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak.
Luke 1:16He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
Luke 1:17He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 2:39When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
Luke 8:55Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.
Luke 17:4If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
Luke 17:31In that day, he who will be on the housetop and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back.
Luke 22:32but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
John 21:20Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”
Acts 3:19“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
Acts 9:35All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Acts 9:40Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Acts 11:21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 14:15“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
Acts 15:19Therefore my judgment is that we don’t trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,
Acts 15:36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
Acts 16:18She was doing this for many days. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” It came out that very hour.
Acts 26:18to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:20but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
Acts 28:27For this people’s heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, then I would heal them.’
2 Corinthians 3:16But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Galatians 4:9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
1 Thessalonians 1:9For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
James 5:19Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back,
James 5:20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 2:25For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
2 Peter 2:22But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”
Revelation 1:12I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands.
Revelation 1:12I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands.