Brief Overview of ἐπιπίπτω (Strong’s G1968: epipiptō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) is crucial in Biblical studies as it reveals the nuances of action and emotion conveyed in the New Testament. The word ἐπιπίπτω is particularly significant as it is often used to describe intense emotional responses or physical actions like falling upon or embracing. Its usage helps readers to understand the dynamics of early Christian experiences and the vivid imagery in ancient Greek literature and biblical texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) [eh-pee-PEEP-toh]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and πίπτω (piptō, “to fall”), meaning “to fall upon” or “to rush towards.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe an action involving movement towards something or someone.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To fall upon
• To rush upon
• To embrace eagerly
• To press upon or attack

Similar Words: προσπίπτω (prospiptō) [pros-PEEP-toh], meaning “to fall down before” or “to bow down in supplication.” While ἐπιπίπτω emphasizes falling upon something or someone with intensity or urgency, προσπίπτω focuses on the act of submission or reverence.

Further Insights: ἐπιπίπτω is a compound verb combining ἐπί (epi) and πίπτω (piptō). The prefix ἐπί adds a sense of directionality or focus, intensifying the action of “falling” as in “falling upon” or “embracing.” Below is the declension table for the verb ἐπιπίπτω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes ἐπιπίπτω as “to fall upon” in a physical sense or metaphorically “to rush upon with intense emotion.” It is often used in contexts of strong, sudden action or divine encounter.
• Thayers: Notes that ἐπιπίπτω can mean “to embrace eagerly” or “to attack suddenly.” The term implies intensity and urgency, whether in a friendly or hostile manner.
• Vines: Highlights ἐπιπίπτω as indicative of a forceful action, whether in love (as in an embrace) or aggression (as in an attack). It draws from the prefix ἐπί (upon) to suggest directionality and focus.
• LSJ: Provides a detailed breakdown of ἐπιπίπτω with various classical usages, ranging from physical actions (like falling or attacking) to more figurative meanings (like emotional outpourings).
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπιπίπτω as “to fall upon,” and provides contexts such as physical falling, emotional embracing, or sudden encounters.

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Related Scripture References

• Acts 10:44: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on all them which heard the word.”
• Acts 20:10: “And Paul went down, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.”
• Luke 15:20: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on his neck, and kissed him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιπίπτω (G1968)

The Greek verb ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) conveys a powerful sense of motion and emotion, often describing a sudden or intense action such as falling upon, embracing, or attacking. Its usage in the New Testament and classical literature underscores moments of divine intervention, emotional reunion, or sudden assault. As a versatile verb, it offers a vivid picture of action, both physical and metaphorical, which enriches Biblical narratives and helps readers visualize the dynamics of early Christian and ancient Greek experiences.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπιπίπτω appears in significant moments of the New Testament, such as in Acts 10:44, where the Holy Spirit “fell” upon the Gentile believers, marking a pivotal moment in the early church’s expansion to include non-Jewish followers. It’s also famously used in Luke 15:20 in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father “fell upon” his returning son in a gesture of reconciliation and love, illustrating the compassionate nature of God.