Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the text’s original meaning and cultural context. The word ἐπιδύω (epidýō), Strong’s G1931, is particularly significant because it refers to the action of setting or going down, often used in relation to the sun. This term is relevant to New Testament interpretation, especially when discussing themes of time, natural phenomena, and the symbolism of light and darkness. It also offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture, where the natural world and its cycles were frequently invoked in literature and philosophy.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιδύω (epidýō) [eh-pee-DOO-o]
- Etymology Root Words: From ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and δύω (dýō, “to sink” or “go down”), meaning “to go down upon” or “to set (as in the sun).”
- Part of Speech: Verb. This word follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To set, as in the setting of the sun.
- To go down or sink.
- To descend or disappear below the horizon.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include δύω (dýō) [DOO-o], meaning “to sink” or “go down,” and καταδύω (katadýō) [ka-ta-DOO-o], which means “to dive” or “to descend into.” While δύω is a more general term for sinking or going down, ἐπιδύω (epidýō) specifically refers to the setting of the sun or a similar downward movement. Καταδύω is often used in contexts of diving or plunging into water or darkness.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπιδύω is a compound formed by adding the prefix ἐπί (epi-) to δύω (dýō), which intensifies the act of going down, often implying a gradual or complete setting. This construction is typically used to describe natural phenomena like the setting sun, and it carries a connotation of completion or finality in the action.
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπιδύω as “to set (of the sun),” emphasizing its use in describing the natural phenomenon of the sun sinking below the horizon. It is often used metaphorically to signify the end of a period or the onset of darkness.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιδύω is used to describe the setting of the sun, particularly in contexts where the natural cycle of day turning to night is significant. It may also imply the end of a day or the conclusion of an event.
- Vines: Highlights that ἐπιδύω suggests the action of “sinking” or “setting,” especially in relation to the sun. It is often found in contexts that emphasize the transition from light to darkness or day to night.
- LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπιδύω is noted to mean “to set” or “go down,” particularly of celestial bodies like the sun. It carries a literal and sometimes metaphorical sense, such as the decline of fortunes or end of an era.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to set” or “to go down,” commonly used in contexts where the sun or another object is descending or disappearing from view, emphasizing the natural progression from day to night.
Related Scripture References
- Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down (ἐπιδυέτω) on your anger.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “As the sun began to set (ἐπιδύντος), the warriors prepared for the night.” |
| Hesiod | Works and Days | “The farmer should cease his work when the sun sets (ἐπιδύῃ).” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The battle continued until the sun had set (ἐπιδύντος) and darkness fell.” |
| Septuagint | Joshua | “And the sun stood still and did not go down (ἐπέδυσε) until the nation avenged itself.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms | “From the rising of the sun to its setting (ἐπιδύσει), the name of the Lord is to be praised.” |
| Septuagint | Ecclesiastes | “The sun also rises, and the sun sets (ἐπιδύῃ), and hastens to the place where it arose.” |
Summary of ἐπιδύω (G1931)
The Greek word ἐπιδύω (epidýō) is a verb meaning “to set,” “to go down,” or “to descend,” particularly in reference to the sun. It is significant in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it is often used to describe the natural phenomenon of the setting sun and the transition from day to night. In the New Testament, it is employed in contexts that emphasize the passage of time or the urgency of resolving conflicts before the day’s end. Its usage in classical texts further underscores its broader application in describing natural cycles and transitions, often with metaphorical implications.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, the setting of the sun (ἐπιδύω) was often associated with themes of closure, rest, and the passage of time. The Greeks believed that the sun’s journey across the sky and its descent marked not only the end of the day but also symbolized the cycles of life, fate, and the universe. This natural imagery was frequently used in their literature and philosophy to convey deeper meanings about human existence and the divine order.
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