Brief Overview of ἐπέρχομαι (Strong’s G1904: epérchomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies because it helps uncover the depth and meaning of the original texts. The Greek word ἐπέρχομαι (transliterated as “epérchomai”) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of “coming upon” or “approaching.” This verb is vital for interpreting New Testament passages where events, actions, or spiritual experiences “come upon” someone or something. Understanding ἐπέρχομαι provides deeper insight into how biblical authors described the onset of important moments or divine encounters, as well as its broader implications in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπέρχομαι (epérchomai) [eh-PER-kho-my]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon,” and ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning “to come” or “to go.” The combined form ἐπέρχομαι means “to come upon” or “to arrive at.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, Middle Voice
• Grammatical Details: Present tense, middle voice, deponent verb. As a deponent verb, it has a middle or passive form but an active meaning.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To come upon”
• “To approach”
• “To arrive”
• “To overtake”
• “To fall upon”

Similar Words:
The Greek word προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) [pros-ER-kho-my] also means “to approach” or “to come to,” but it emphasizes drawing near with a sense of purpose or intent. In contrast, ἐπέρχομαι focuses on the act of coming upon or arriving unexpectedly. Another related word is ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi) [ef-EE-stee-mee], which means “to stand over” or “to come upon suddenly,” often with an emphasis on surprise or immediacy rather than a gradual approach.

Further Insights:
As a deponent verb, ἐπέρχομαι has middle/passive forms but carries an active meaning, reflecting a unique feature of certain Greek verbs where the form does not align with the expected voice. This verb is often used to describe the arrival or approach of events, situations, or persons, especially with a sense of impact or significant effect. Its use in both physical and metaphorical contexts adds depth to its application in New Testament writings.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπέρχομαι as a verb meaning “to come upon” or “to arrive at.” It is frequently used in contexts where an event, such as judgment or divine intervention, comes upon a person or group. The word can also indicate a sudden or unexpected occurrence.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπέρχομαι as “to come upon” or “to approach,” with an emphasis on the onset of an event or action. It is often associated with divine encounters, judgments, or significant spiritual experiences in biblical contexts.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπέρχομαι under verbs of movement and action, focusing on its use to describe the coming or arrival of events, both expected and unexpected. It highlights the word’s relevance in passages dealing with prophecy, judgment, or divine action.

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LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broad overview of ἐπέρχομαι as a verb meaning “to come upon” or “to go towards.” It appears in classical Greek literature to denote both literal arrival and metaphorical approaches, such as the coming of age, ideas, or challenges.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπέρχομαι as a verb meaning “to come upon,” “to approach,” or “to overtake.” It highlights its use in describing both physical and metaphorical arrivals, emphasizing its application in passages concerning divine encounters or significant events.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon (ἐπέρχομαι) you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
• Luke 21:26: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on (ἐπέρχομαι) the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”
• James 5:1: “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon (ἐπέρχομαι) you.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπέρχομαι (G1904)

The Greek verb ἐπέρχομαι (epérchomai) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “coming upon” or “approaching.” Its primary meanings focus on the arrival, approach, or overtaking of events, people, or situations, often with a sense of impact or suddenness. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the arrival of the Holy Spirit, divine judgments, or other significant occurrences, providing a vivid portrayal of how events unfold with powerful effects. Understanding ἐπέρχομαι is crucial for appreciating the depth of narrative and theological descriptions in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπέρχομαι is often used in biblical contexts to describe divine interventions or significant events? For example, in Acts 1:8, it describes the Holy Spirit “coming upon” the disciples, indicating a powerful and transformative moment that leads to the spread of the Gospel.