Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Epitrope; or Admission

Admission of Wrong in order to gain what is Right

E-pit´-ro-pee. Greek, ἐπιτροπή, reference, arbitration, from ἐπιτρέπειν, to turn over, surrender, (from ἐπί (epi), upon, and τρέπειν (trepein), to turn).

The Figure is used when we surrender a point which we feel to be wrong, but we admit it for the sake of argument. In Synchoresis (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ), we concede what is right in itself; but, in Epitrope, we admit what is wrong, giving way to the feelings or unreasonableness of another, in order that we may more effectually carry our point.

The Latins called it PERMISSIO, a giving up, unconditional surrender.

The figure sometimes approaches to Irony (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ); when "what is admitted" is not really granted, but only apparently so for argument’s sake.

1 Kings 22:15.-"Go, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king." Micaiah (by Epitrope and Irony) admitted what was in Jehoshaphat’s heart, and thus exposed and condemned it.

Ecclesiastes 11:9.-"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."

Amos 4:4-5.-See under Irony.

Matthew 23:32.-"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." Christ was not inciting to murders and martyrdoms; but, using the figure Epitrope, He granted their position, and ironically told them to act accordingly.

John 13:27.-"That thou doest, do quickly." The Lord is not sanctioning the evil, but permitting it.

Romans 11:19-20.-"Thou (Gentile, verse 13) wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear."

Here, it is not Synchoresis, i.e., a concession of what is right, but an admission of what is wrong, for the sake of argument. Indeed, it is a mixture of the two, for there are two propositions. "The branches were broken off": i.e., the Jews were cast off for a time (though not cast away, verse 1), that is true. That point is conceded; but "that I might be grafted in"? No! that was not the object: that is what you Gentiles will say, "Thou wilt say." It is not what the Holy Spirit says. That was not the cause why the Jews were broken off. It was "because of unbelief"! That was the true reason!