"one to whose charge or control a thing is left; a steward, bailiff, agent, manager, Mt. 20:8; steward or overseer of the revenue, treasurer, Lk. 8:3; a guardian of children, Gal. 4:2*"
Definition and meaning
one to whose charge or control a thing is left; a steward, bailiff, agent, manager, Mt. 20:8; steward or overseer of the revenue, treasurer, Lk. 8:3; a guardian of children, Gal. 4:2*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπίτροπος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
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 epitropos (G2012) across the King James Bible.
So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
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Common questions
Strong's G2012 (epitropos) is a Greek word that means: one to whose charge or control a thing is left; a steward, bailiff, agent, manager, Mt. 20:8; steward or overseer of the revenue, treasurer, Lk. 8:3; a guardian of children, Gal. 4:2* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word epitropos (G2012) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2012 is epitropos, a Greek word defined as: one to whose charge or control a thing is left; a steward, bailiff, agent, manager, Mt. 20:8; steward or overseer of the revenue, treasurer, Lk. 8:3; . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epitropos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.