ἐπιστάτης
epistátēs
G1988 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who stands over or presides; supervisor, overseer, chief, or master—one with authority, responsibility, or direction over others. In specific contexts, denotes a teacher or someone with recognized competence and leadership within a group.
Semantic Range
overseer, supervisor, one who presides, master (in the sense of one in authority), superintendent, foreman, chief, teacher (by extension in context)
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί ('upon, over') and a presumed derivative of ἵστημι ('to stand'); thus, literally 'one who stands over.' The second element reflects the verb for standing, establishing, or placing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἐπιστάτης appears primarily in the Synoptic Gospels within the New Testament, distinctively in Luke (e.g., Luke 5:5, 8:24, 8:45, 9:33, 9:49, 17:13). It functions as a respectful address for someone in authority—commonly Jesus—approximately equivalent to 'master' or 'supervisor', but distinct from other Greek titles such as διδάσκαλος ('teacher') or κύριος ('lord'). In Hellenistic and classical Greek, ἐπιστάτης designated foremen, supervisors, or overseers of work, as in civic, military, or domestic roles. Its use in the LXX is rare; in wider Koine, the word rarely bore a religious sense, but indicated authority or specialized oversight. English translations sometimes render the term as 'master,' but this can obscure its functional nuance—more 'overseer' or 'superintendent' than owner or sovereign. In the context of the Greek East, it was applied to those entrusted with management, whether of people, affairs, or tasks. The word does not inherently carry the sense of personal ownership (as κύριος might), nor does it necessarily designate a formal teacher.
Translation Consistency
Covers the typical semantic range (one who stands over, presides, supervises, or directs others) and matches common biblical translation practice. It is neutral and descriptive (better than 'master' which can carry other connotations) and reads naturally across contexts such as supervisor, foreman, chief, or teacher.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and a presumed derivative of ἵστημι; an appointee over, i.e. commander (teacher):--master.
Root Family
ἐπιστάτης (epistatēs) — one who stands over, overseer, supervisor, presiding authority
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1988-01 |
Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer | 7 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1988-01 |
Luke 5:5 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |
G1988-01 |
Luke 8:24 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |
G1988-01 |
Luke 8:24 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata-2 | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |
G1988-01 |
Luke 8:45 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | Master |
G1988-01 |
Luke 9:33 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |
G1988-01 |
Luke 9:49 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |
G1988-01 |
Luke 17:13 | Ἐπιστάτα | epistata | N VOC M SG |
Master | O overseer | O overseer |