Bible Dictionaries
Convert, Conversion

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

A — 1: στρέφω

(Strong's #4762 — Verb — strepho — stref'-o )

"to turn," is translated "be converted" in Matthew 18:3 , AV. See TURN.

A — 2: ἐπιστρέφω

(Strong's #1994 — Verb — epistrepho — ep-ee-stref'-o )

"to turn about, turn towards" (epi, "towards" and No. 1), is used transitively, and so rendered "convert" (of causing a person to turn) in James 5:19,20 . Elsewhere, where the AV translates this verb, either in the Middle Voice and intransitive use, or the Passive, the RV adheres to the Middle Voice significance, and translates by "turn again," Matthew 13:15; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; 28:27 . See COME (again), Note (4), GO (again), RETURN , TURN.

B — 1: ἐπιστροφή

(Strong's #1995 — Noun Feminine — epistrophe — ep-is-trof-ay' )

akin to A, No. 2, "a turning about, or round, conversion," is found in Acts 15:3 . The word implies "a turning from and a turning to;" corresponding to these are repentance and faith; cp. "turned to God from idols" (1 Thessalonians 1:9 ). Divine grace is the efficient cause, human agency the responding effect.

Bibliography Information
Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Convert, Conversion'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ved/​c/convert-conversion.html. 1940.