Bible Dictionaries
Guardian

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

lit., "one to whose care something is committed" (epi, "upon," trepo, "to turn" or "direct"), is rendered "guardians" in Galatians 4:2 , RV, AV, "tutors" (in Matthew 20:8; Luke 8:3 , "steward").

"The corresponding verb, epitrepo, is translated "permit, give leave, suffer;" see 1 Corinthians 14:34; 16:7; 1 Timothy 2:12 , e.g., ... An allied noun, epitrope, is translated "commission" in Acts 26:12 and refers to delegated authority over persons. This usage of cognate words suggests that the epitropos was a superior servant responsible for the persons composing the household, whether children or slaves." * [* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 180.]