Brief Overview of ἐπέχω (Strong’s G1907: epéchō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it helps to uncover the depth and nuance within the original texts. The Greek word ἐπέχω (transliterated as “epéchō”) is particularly significant because it carries meanings of “holding,” “restraining,” or “fixing attention upon.” This verb is vital for interpreting New Testament passages where actions of holding back, maintaining focus, or controlling are central to the narrative or theological message. By understanding ἐπέχω, readers gain insight into the practical, spiritual, and philosophical contexts in which this term was used in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπέχω (epéchō) [eh-PEH-kho]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and ἔχω (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” The combined form ἐπέχω translates to “to hold upon,” “to fix attention upon,” or “to restrain.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, Active Voice
• Grammatical Details: Present tense, active voice, indicative mood, first person singular. This form indicates a continuous or ongoing action of holding, restraining, or focusing.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To hold back”
• “To restrain”
• “To fix attention upon”
• “To occupy”
• “To delay”

Similar Words:
The Greek word κατέχω (katechō) [kah-TEH-kho], meaning “to hold fast” or “to retain,” is similar to ἐπέχω. While both words involve the idea of holding, ἐπέχω often emphasizes the act of restraining or focusing on something, whereas κατέχω implies keeping or possessing something firmly. Another related word is ἔχω (echō) [EH-kho], which simply means “to have” or “to hold,” without the added nuance of emphasis or direction indicated by the prefix ἐπί (epi).

Further Insights:
As an active verb, ἐπέχω directly reflects the subject’s engagement in the action of holding, restraining, or maintaining focus. The present tense suggests an ongoing or continuous action, making it particularly relevant in passages that discuss sustained effort, concentration, or self-control. This word can be applied both in literal contexts, such as holding back physically, and in metaphorical contexts, such as maintaining focus or attention on spiritual matters.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπέχω as a verb meaning “to hold back” or “to restrain.” It also includes the meaning “to pay attention to” or “to focus on,” particularly in contexts where a deliberate act of concentration or restraint is required.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπέχω as “to hold upon” or “to fix attention upon,” emphasizing its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It is used to describe the act of concentrating or holding fast to a particular focus or direction.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπέχω under verbs of holding and focusing, highlighting its use in New Testament passages that describe the action of paying attention or being alert, as well as holding back or restraining.

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LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broad overview of ἐπέχω as a verb meaning “to hold back,” “to restrain,” or “to occupy.” It appears in classical Greek literature to denote both physical restraint and intellectual or emotional focus.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπέχω as a verb meaning “to hold,” “to withhold,” or “to retain.” It highlights its use in passages where a deliberate act of holding or focusing is being described, whether in a physical or spiritual sense.

Related Scripture References

• Philippians 2:16: “Holding forth (ἐπέχω) the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”
• Luke 14:7: “And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,” (implied meaning of observing closely or fixing attention upon in context).
• Acts 19:22: “So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed (ἐπέχω) in Asia for a season.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπέχω (G1907)

The Greek verb ἐπέχω (epéchō) is a versatile term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, conveying meanings of “holding back,” “restraining,” “focusing,” or “fixing attention upon.” Its primary meanings involve both physical restraint and the mental or spiritual act of maintaining focus. In the New Testament, ἐπέχω is used in passages that emphasize the importance of holding fast to the word of life or restraining oneself in the face of distractions. Understanding ἐπέχω allows readers to appreciate the multifaceted ways in which this word was employed to convey concepts of control, concentration, and dedication in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπέχω can imply both physical restraint and intense focus? In Philippians 2:16, Paul uses it to encourage believers to “hold forth” the word of life, suggesting not just the act of holding onto something, but actively presenting it with purpose and concentration.