"a purpose or design against any one; conspiracy, plot, Acts 9:24; 20:3, 19; 23:30*"
Definition and meaning
a purpose or design against any one; conspiracy, plot, Acts 9:24; 20:3, 19; 23:30*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιβουλή
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epiboule (G1917) across the King James Bible.
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
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Common questions
Strong's G1917 (epiboule) is a Greek word that means: a purpose or design against any one; conspiracy, plot, Acts 9:24; 20:3, 19; 23:30* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word epiboule (G1917) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1917 is epiboule, a Greek word defined as: a purpose or design against any one; conspiracy, plot, Acts 9:24; 20:3, 19; 23:30*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epiboule is a Greek word found in the New Testament.