Brief Overview of ἐπιγίνομαι (Strong’s G1920: epigínomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental to Biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the original texts. The Greek word ἐπιγίνομαι (transliterated as “epigínomai”) is particularly significant because it relates to occurrences or events that “come upon” or “arise.” This verb is vital for interpreting New Testament passages where sudden events, developments, or outcomes are described. Understanding ἐπιγίνομαι helps readers grasp the dynamic nature of narrative events and theological assertions within the biblical text, as well as how these concepts were perceived in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai) [eh-pee-GHEE-noh-my]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and γίνομαι (gínomai), meaning “to become,” “to happen,” or “to come into being.” Thus, ἐπιγίνομαι conveys the idea of “coming upon” or “arising.”
• Part of Speech: Verb
• Grammatical Details: Present, middle voice, indicative mood, first person singular. This verb denotes the action of something occurring or coming into existence, particularly as a result of an external factor or force.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To come upon”
• “To arise”
• “To occur”
• “To happen”
• “To emerge”

Similar Words:
The Greek word συμβαίνω (symbaínō) [soom-BYE-noh], meaning “to happen” or “to come together,” is somewhat related to ἐπιγίνομαι. However, while συμβαίνω often emphasizes events occurring by chance or coincidentally, ἐπιγίνομαι focuses more on the notion of events that emerge or come upon with a sense of unfolding or development. Another related word is παραγίνομαι (paragínomai) [pah-rah-GHEE-noh-my], meaning “to come near” or “to be present,” which implies proximity or arrival without the connotation of an arising event.

Further Insights:
As a middle-voice verb, ἐπιγίνομαι describes an action that affects the subject or arises with reference to the subject. This use often conveys a sense of suddenness or a development that occurs over time, influenced by factors “coming upon” the subject. The verb is commonly found in narrative contexts, illustrating shifts, changes, or occurrences. Below is a table showing the full conjugation of ἐπιγίνομαι in the present indicative:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπιγίνομαι as “to come upon,” “to arise,” or “to occur.” It is often used to describe the emergence of events, conditions, or situations that come into being suddenly or unexpectedly, particularly in narrative contexts where unexpected or impactful occurrences are detailed.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπιγίνομαι as “to occur” or “to arise,” emphasizing its use in passages where events unfold or happen as a result of particular circumstances or external influences. It suggests a development or change that comes upon the scene.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπιγίνομαι under verbs related to occurrences or happenings, highlighting its connotations of events that arise or emerge. It often carries a sense of something that comes into existence or makes its presence known.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides an overview of ἐπιγίνομαι as a verb meaning “to come upon” or “to happen,” with usage in both classical and Koine Greek literature to describe events or circumstances that emerge or unfold.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπιγίνομαι as a verb meaning “to occur,” “to come upon,” or “to arise.” It emphasizes its usage in narrative and prophetic passages where sudden or significant developments are described.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 11:19: “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose (ἐπιγίνομαι) about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.”
• Acts 12:18: “Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir (ἐπιγίνομαι) among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιγίνομαι (G1920)

The Greek verb ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “coming upon,” “arising,” or “occurring.” Its primary meanings revolve around the idea of events or situations that emerge or come into being, often unexpectedly or as a result of certain conditions. In the New Testament, ἐπιγίνομαι appears in contexts that describe significant events or changes, offering a dynamic perspective on the unfolding of narrative or theological developments. Understanding ἐπιγίνομαι is crucial for interpreting narratives that involve shifts in events or the emergence of new realities.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπιγίνομαι is used in Acts 11:19 to describe how the early Christians were scattered abroad due to the persecution that “arose” after Stephen’s martyrdom? This term illustrates the sudden and impactful nature of events that shaped the early Christian community’s mission and expansion.