"pr. one who stands by; one who is set over; in NT in voc., equivalent to διδάσκαλε, or ῥαββί, master, doctor, Lk. 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13*"
Definition and meaning
pr. one who stands by; one who is set over; in NT in voc., equivalent to διδάσκαλε, or ῥαββί, master, doctor, Lk. 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιστάτης
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
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 epistates (G1988) across the King James Bible.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
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Common questions
Strong's G1988 (epistates) is a Greek word that means: pr. one who stands by; one who is set over; in NT in voc., equivalent to διδάσκαλε, or ῥαββί, master, doctor, Lk. 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word epistates (G1988) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1988 is epistates, a Greek word defined as: pr. one who stands by; one who is set over; in NT in voc., equivalent to διδάσκαλε, or ῥαββί, master, doctor, Lk. 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epistates is a Greek word found in the New Testament.