Quick Definition
instruction, command, order, authority
Strong's Definition
an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness
Derivation: from G2004 (ἐπιτάσσω);
KJV Usage: authority, commandment
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἐπιταγή, ἐπιταγῆς, ἡ (ἐπιτάσσω), an injunction, mandate, command: Rom_16:26; 1Co_7:25; 1Ti_1:1; Tit_1:3; μετά πάσης ἐπιταγῆς, with every possible form of authority, Tit_2:15; κατ' ἐπιταγήν, by way of command, 1Co_7:6; 2Co_8:8. (Wis_14:16, etc.; Polybius, Diodorus.)
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
ἐπιταγή epitagē 7x
injunction, 1Co_7:6 ; 1Co_7:25 ; 2Co_8:8 ;
a decree, Rom_16:26 ; 1Ti_1:1 ; Tit_1:3 ;
authoritativeness, strictness, Tit_2:15
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
† ἐπι -ταγή , -ῆς , ἡ
( < ἐπιτάσσω ),
[in LXX : Da LXX Dan_3:16 ( H6600 ), 1Es_1:18 , Wis_14:16 ; Wis_18:16 ; Wis_19:6 , 3Ma_7:20 * ;]
= cl ., ἐπίταγμα ,
a command, Rom_16:26 , 1Co_7:6 ; 1Co_7:25 , 2Co_8:8 , 1Ti_1:1 , Tit_1:3 (for use in Inscr . of divine commands, v. MM , Exp., xiv); μετὰ πάσης ἐ , with all authority: Tit_2:15 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
ἐπιταγή [page 247]
The ordinary meaning appears in a fragmentary letter P Flor II. 119 .5 (A.D. 254) ὅπως . . ἐπιταγὴν λάβωσ̣ιν , with reference to an order or instruction given to certain fishermen. The use of the word in Paul to denote a divine command ( Rom_16:26 , 1Ti_1:1 , Tit_1:3 ) is in accord with its technical use in dedicatory inscriptions. Thus in Syll 786 .4 Isias dedicates an altar to the Mother of the gods κατ᾽ ἐπιταγήν , by command of Cybele herself conveyed in dream or oracle, as Dittenberger remarks. He compares other formulae like κατὰ μαντείαν , κατ᾽ ὄναρ , καθ᾽ ὅραμα . See also Syll 805 .3 (Rom.), IG XII. 1, 785. It is at least possible that this connotation may be present in 1Co_7:6 , 2Co_8:8 . Add the Phrygian inscr. Ἀγαθῇ τύχῃ Σόλων ἱερὸς κατὰ ἐπιταγὴν Δ [ι ]ὶ Δίῳ εὐχὴν καὶ ἑαυτῷ ζῶν , which Sir William Ramsay ( Stud. in the East. Rom. Prov. p. 275) cites in illustration of the old Phrygian custom of consecrating any sacred place by a grave. Here Solon, in service at an Anatolian hieron, was ordered by the god to fulfil a vow, and in the same act of dedication he made the grave for himself. Cf. also the stele inscr. in JHS xxvi. (1906), p. 28 Οὐάρι (ο )ς . . . Πωλλίων κατ᾽ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ θεοῦ ἀνέθηκα εἱκετεύων .
For ἐπίταγμα , see P Oxy XII. 1469 .3 (A.D. 298) ἐν τοῖ [ς ] καθ᾽ ἡμᾶς ἐπιτάγμασιν , in commands concerning us. According to the editor s note ἐπίταγμα is used in P Grenf I. 18 .6 (B.C. 132) τοῦ ἐπιτάγματος ἱππάρχου of a reserve of cavalry, but see contra Schubart in Archiv ii. p. 149.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
ἐπι-ταγή, -ῆς, ἡ
(ἐπιτάσσω), [in LXX: Dan LXX 3:16 (פִּתְגָּם), I Est.1:18, Wis.14:16 18:16 19:6, 3Ma.7:20 * ;]
= cl., ἐπίταγμα,
a command, Rom.16:26, 1Co.7:6 7:25, 2Co.8:8, 1Ti.1:1, Tit.1:3 (for use in Inscr. of divine commands, see MM, Exp., xiv); μετὰ πάσης ἐ, with all authority: Tit.2:15.†
(AS)
📖 In-Depth Word Study
Authority (2003) epitage
Reprove (1651) (elegcho is [also spelled elencho] related to elegchos = bringing to light) (Click word study on elegcho) means to bring to the light (to reveal hidden things) with the implication that there is adequate proof of wrongdoing. To shame or disgrace and thus to rebuke another in such a way that they are compelled to see and to admit the error of their ways. To show someone that they have done something wrong and summon them to repent.
Elegcho was used in the Greek law courts not merely of a reply to an opposing attorney, but of a refutation of his argument. No one could prove any charges of sin against our Lord. No one could bring charges against Him in such a way as to convince Him that He was guilty. (because of course He wasn't)
Keep on reproving which describes an admonishing in such a way that the one reproved is convicted of his sin and is compelled to admit the error of his ways. Christian rebuke means far more than flinging angry and condemning words at a man. It means speaking in such a way that he sees the error of his ways and accepts the truth. Mt 18:15 ("reprove him in private") and Eph 5:11 ("expose" is elegcho) good pictures
There are 17 uses of elegcho in the NT - Mt 18:15; Lk. 3:19; Jn. 3:20; 8:46; 16:8; 1 Co. 14:24; Eph. 5:11, 13; 1Ti 5:20; 2Ti 4:2; Titus 1:9, 13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jas. 2:9; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19