Original Word: ἐπικουρία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: epikouria
Pronunciation: eh-pee-koo-REE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-koo-ree'-ah)
Definition: succor (against foes), help, aid, assistance.
Meaning: The noun ἐπικουρία refers to "assistance," "aid," or "help."

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐπικουρέω (epikoureō), meaning "to aid" or "to assist."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐπικουρία, the concept of divine assistance and help is prevalent in the Old Testament. Some corresponding Hebrew terms include:

- עֵזֶר (ezer) • Strong's Hebrew 5828, meaning "help" or "aid."
- סָמַךְ (samak) • Strong's Hebrew 5564, meaning "to support" or "to uphold."

These Hebrew terms reflect similar themes of assistance and support, often in the context of God's provision and help for His people.

Usage: The term ἐπικουρία is used in the New Testament to denote the concept of providing help or support, particularly in a context where such assistance is crucial or necessary.

Context: The Greek term ἐπικουρία appears in the New Testament in the context of providing assistance or support. It is a noun that conveys the idea of help that is rendered in times of need. The term is used in Acts 26:22, where the Apostle Paul speaks of receiving help from God: "But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike." (BSB)

In this passage, Paul acknowledges the divine assistance that has enabled him to continue his ministry and testify about the gospel. The use of ἐπικουρία underscores the importance of divine intervention and support in the life of a believer, highlighting the reliance on God's strength and provision.

The concept of ἐπικουρία is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God as a helper and sustainer of His people. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as one who provides aid to those who call upon Him, offering strength and support in times of trouble. This aligns with the understanding of God as a refuge and a source of strength, as seen in various passages across both the Old and New Testaments.

Word Origin
from epikouros (helper, ally)
Definition
aid, assistance
NASB Translation
help (1).

STRONGS NT 1947: ἐπικουρία

ἐπικουρία, ἐπικουρίας, ἡ (ἐπικουρέω to aid), aid, succor: Acts 26:22. (Wis. 13:18; from Thucydides and Euripides down.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

help.

From a compound of epi and a (prolonged) form of the base of korasion (in the sense of servant); assistance -- help.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK korasion

Forms and Transliterations

επεκράτει επεκράτησα επεκράτησε επεκράτησεν επεκρέμασεν επικουριας επικουρίας ἐπικουρίας επικραταιωθή επικρατούντες επικρεμάμενοι επικρεμάμενος epikourias epikourías

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts