"pr. an inspector, overseer; a watcher, guardian, 1 Pet. 2:25; in NT an ecclesiastical overseer, Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7*"
Definition and meaning
pr. an inspector, overseer; a watcher, guardian, 1 Pet. 2:25; in NT an ecclesiastical overseer, Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπίσκοπος
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 episkopos (G1985) across the King James Bible.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G1985 (episkopos) is a Greek word that means: pr. an inspector, overseer; a watcher, guardian, 1 Pet. 2:25; in NT an ecclesiastical overseer, Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7* It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word episkopos (G1985) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1985 is episkopos, a Greek word defined as: pr. an inspector, overseer; a watcher, guardian, 1 Pet. 2:25; in NT an ecclesiastical overseer, Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
episkopos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.