epitage denotes an authoritative directive, whether received from God or contrasted with personal counsel.

The occurrences chiefly present epitage as an authoritative directive or authorization: it is attributed to God in apostolic commission and entrusted proclamation, and it is contrasted with counsel given without such a directive. Titus 2:15 also places it in the context of speaking, exhorting, and rebuking with authority.

1. Authoritative directive or authorization · dominant

   In 1 Timothy 1:1 and Titus 1:3, the accusative singular form occurs in clauses that attribute an apostolic role and an entrusted proclamation to God's directive. In Titus 2:15, the genitive singular form stands with declaring, exhorting, and rebuking "with all authority," showing a directive-bearing context.

   1 Timothy 1:1Titus 1:3Titus 2:15
2. Directive contrasted with personal counsel · common

   In 1 Corinthians 7:6, the accusative singular form is contrasted with a concession, and the APB renders the clause "not as a command." In 1 Corinthians 7:25 and 2 Corinthians 8:8, the same form is denied as the basis for the speaker's judgment or speech, while the verses proceed with counsel or testing.

   1 Corinthians 7:61 Corinthians 7:252 Corinthians 8:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB repeatedly presents the term through "command," including clauses that deny speaking or giving judgment on that basis. In Titus 2:15 it instead renders the surrounding clause "with all authority"; That variation cannot establish a separate lexical meaning.