What does epistle mean?
An epistle is a letter, but the word carries more weight than that plain definition suggests. It typically denotes a formal, polished, or substantial piece of correspondence — the kind of carefully composed letter one might write on matters of importance — and it is often used with light irony for an unexpectedly long email or note. The word's most prominent association, however, is religious: the Epistles are the letters of the apostles preserved in the New Testament, such as those written by Paul to the early Christian churches, and portions of them are still read aloud in many church services. Derived from the Greek epistolē, meaning simply 'letter' or 'message,' the noun entered English through Latin and Old French and has carried a slightly elevated, literary tone ever since. To call something an epistle is to signal that it belongs to the grand tradition of letter-writing rather than to casual scribbled correspondence.
A formal or literary letter, especially one that is long, elegant, or instructive.
"Among the papers was an epistle written in her grandmother's careful hand."
Often used ironically today for an overlong email or message.
(capitalized, in Christian usage) Any of the apostolic letters of the New Testament, or a passage from one read during a church service.
"The congregation stood for the singing, then sat again to hear the Epistle."
Regular plural; commonly capitalized when referring to the books of the New Testament (e.g., the Pauline Epistles).
"The general epistles were addressed to early Christian communities scattered across the Roman world."
Half the New Testament isn't narrative at all — it's mail: the word 'epistle' comes straight from the Greek for 'to send a message to.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epistle
'Epistle' derives from the Greek epistolē ('letter, message'), formed from epi- ('to') plus stellein ('to send'). It passed into Latin as epistula before entering Middle English via Old French in the medieval period. The same Greek root lies behind 'epistolary' (relating to letters) and, more distantly, 'apostle' (from apostolos, 'one sent out'), making the two words etymological cousins.
Related word forms
How epistle is actually used
In everyday use 'epistle' is often mildly ironic or humorous, applied to an unexpectedly long letter or email. In religious contexts it is a precise term for the New Testament letters and the liturgical readings drawn from them.
Easily confused with epistle
An apostle is a person sent out as a messenger or missionary (especially one of Jesus's disciples), while an epistle is the letter itself.
An epithet is a descriptive nickname or phrase attached to a person or thing, whereas an epistle is a letter.