ἐπίλυσις
epílysis
G1955 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act of interpreting, solving, or providing an explanation for something that is obscure, such as a statement, text, or problem; primarily denotes 'explanation' or the process of resolving uncertainty. In certain contexts, specifically refers to the interpretation of spoken or written material, especially ambiguous or prophetic utterances.
Semantic Range
explanation, interpretation (especially of texts or prophecies), solution to a problem or riddle, clarification, act of resolving ambiguity; application (of meaning to a context)
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἐπιλύω (to loosen, release, explain, interpret), which derives from ἐπί (upon, over, concerning) + λύω (to loosen, untie). Thus, ἐπίλυσις literally denotes 'a loosening upon' or 'solution to' something.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Greek literature outside the New Testament, ἐπίλυσις is attested in the sense of 'solution' to disputes or puzzles, or 'explanation' of obscure matters. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it becomes more specialized, especially for the clarification of texts or oracles. In the New Testament (used in 2 Peter 1:20), it appears in the context of scriptural prophecy, where it denotes the act or process of providing an interpretation (particularly a private or subjective one). This may carry the nuance of a human interpretation as opposed to an authoritative or divinely given one. Traditional translations as 'interpretation' capture the main functional sense, but may obscure the word's broader applicability to both explanation and resolution of difficulties. The LXX employs related verbs but rarely this noun, so the NT usage is notable. The semantic field overlaps with διασάφησις (clarification, explication), but ἐπίλυσις focuses more on resolution of difficulty or ambiguity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπιλύω; explanation, i.e. application:--interpretation.
Root Family
ἐπίλυσις (epilysis) — loosening, solving, explaining, interpreting
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1955-01 |
ἐπιλύσεως | epiluseos | N GEN F SG |
interpretation | of explanation | explanation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1955-01 |
2 Peter 1:20 | ἐπιλύσεως | epiluseos | N GEN F SG |
interpretation | of explanation | explanation |