1882. epanorthósis
Lexical Summary
epanorthósis: Correction, improvement, reformation

Original Word: ἐπανόρθωσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: epanorthósis
Pronunciation: ep-an-or'-tho-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-an-or'-tho-sis)
KJV: correction
NASB: correction
Word Origin: [from a compound of G1909 (ἐπί - over) and G461 (ἀνορθόω - made erect again)]

1. a straightening up again
2. (figuratively) rectification (reformation)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
correction.

From a compound of epi and anorthoo; a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation) -- correction.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK anorthoo

HELPS Word-studies

1882 epanórthōsis (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" intensifying 461 /anorthóō, "make straight") – properly, suitable because straight, i.e. restored to its (original) proper condition; hence, correction (referring to something that is aptly "straightened out").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from epi and anorthoó
Definition
correction
NASB Translation
correction (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1882: ἐπανόρθωσις

ἐπανόρθωσις, ἐπανορθωσεως, (ἐπανορθόω), restoration to an upright or a right state; correction, improvement (in Greek writings from Demosthenes down): of life and character, 2 Timothy 3:16 (cf. τόν Θεόν ... χρόνον γέ πρός ἐπανόρθωσιν (αὐτοῖς) προσιζάνειν, Plutarch, de sera num. vind. 6); with τοῦ βίου added, Polybius 1, 35, 1; Epictetus diss. 3, 21, 15; σεαυτοῦ, id. ench. 51, 1; (ἠθικη δέ τά πρός ἀνθρωπίνων ἐπανόρθωσιν ἠθῶν, Philo de ebriet. § 22; cf. de confus. lingg. § 36 at the end); (cf. ἐπανορθουν καί εἰς μετάνοιαν ἀπάγειν, Josephus, Antiquities 4, 6, 10).

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Context and Occurrence

The noun ἐπανόρθωσις appears a single time in the New Testament, within Paul’s charge to Timothy: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Positioned between “conviction” and “training,” the term highlights Scripture’s unique power to set believers back on a straight path after error, restoring conformity to God’s revealed standard. Though the word itself is rare, the concept pervades both Testaments, linking divine revelation to moral and doctrinal realignment.

Theological Significance

Correction is inseparable from inspiration. Because God’s Word is “God-breathed,” it carries His authority not only to teach truth but to expose deviations and realign the heart. Biblical correction involves more than pointing out wrong; it supplies the standard and the enabling grace to pursue what is right (Psalm 19:7; Hebrews 4:12). Thus, ἐπανόρθωσις embodies the restorative character of grace—discipline that mends rather than merely condemns.

Role in Discipleship and Spiritual Formation

1. Guarding Orthodoxy: Timothy was entrusted with safeguarding apostolic teaching. Scripture’s corrective function protects the church from drift (1 Timothy 4:16).
2. Personal Sanctification: Reproof alone can breed discouragement; correction provides the constructive step toward renewed obedience (Psalm 119:9).
3. Corporate Health: Leaders wield the Word “to admonish and teach everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

Historical Usage in Church Teaching

Early fathers such as Athanasius and Augustine appealed to Scripture’s corrective authority to confront heresies, insisting that any doctrine out of step with the “God-breathed” canon must be abandoned. During the Reformation, 2 Timothy 3:16–17 became a cornerstone text underscoring sola Scriptura: the sufficiency of Scripture to correct ecclesiastical abuses and restore gospel purity. Throughout revival movements, public reading and exposition of the Bible served as God’s instrument to realign belief and practice.

Practical Application in Ministry Today

• Expository Preaching: Systematic exposition allows the text itself to confront error gently yet firmly.
• Biblical Counseling: Grounding counsel in Scripture offers hope-filled correction that addresses root issues, not merely symptoms.
• Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15–17 outlines a process culminating in restoration; Scripture guides each step.
• Personal Devotion: Regular, prayerful reading invites the Spirit to spotlight attitudes needing adjustment (James 1:23–25).

Related Biblical Themes

Discipline (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:5–11)

Restoration (Galatians 6:1)

Teaching and Rebuke (Titus 1:9)

Repentance (Acts 3:19)

Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:11–15)

Select Scripture References

Proverbs 3:11–12 – “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.”

Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.”

Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

James 5:19–20 – “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Through ἐπανόρθωσις, Scripture functions as God’s precise instrument to straighten what is bent, healing both doctrine and life so that the people of God may be “complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Forms and Transliterations
επανορθωσιν επανόρθωσιν ἐπανόρθωσιν epanorthosin epanorthōsin epanórthosin epanórthōsin
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 3:16 N-AFS
GRK: ἐλεγμόν πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν πρὸς παιδείαν
NAS: for reproof, for correction, for training
KJV: for correction, for
INT: reproof for correction for discipline

Strong's Greek 1882
1 Occurrence


ἐπανόρθωσιν — 1 Occ.

1881
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