Lexical Summary epanorthósis: Correction, improvement, reformation Original Word: ἐπανόρθωσις 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 Originfrom epi and anorthoó Definition correction NASB Translation correction (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1882: ἐπανόρθωσιςἐπανόρθωσις, ἐπανορθωσεως, ἡ (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). 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. 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 epanórthōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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