Brief Overview of ἐπιράπτω (Strong’s G1976: epiraptō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as ἐπιράπτω (epiraptō) is essential in Biblical studies because it provides clarity to specific actions and descriptions found in the New Testament. This verb, which primarily means “to sew on” or “to attach by sewing,” helps illuminate passages that describe the preparation of garments or objects and actions that involve joining or attaching. Additionally, it offers insight into cultural practices related to clothing and craftsmanship in the ancient world.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιράπτω (epiraptō) [eh-pee-RAP-toh]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “on” or “upon”) and ῥάπτω (rhaptō, “to sew”), ἐπιράπτω means “to sew upon” or “to attach by sewing.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (active); it describes an action of sewing or attaching one item to another, typically with needle and thread.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To sew on
• To attach by sewing
• To fasten or join together by stitching

Similar Words: ῥάπτω (rhaptō) [RAP-toh], meaning “to sew” or “to stitch.” While ῥάπτω refers generally to the act of sewing or stitching, ἐπιράπτω specifically means “to sew upon” or “to attach by sewing,” indicating an action that involves joining or fastening an object to another by sewing.

Further Insights: ἐπιράπτω is an active verb and is generally used in contexts involving manual work, like sewing or stitching fabric. The word is rarely seen in a purely metaphorical sense and is almost always literal, dealing with physical actions of joining or attaching by sewing. Below is the declension table:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes ἐπιράπτω as “to sew upon” or “to attach by sewing,” emphasizing the physical act of stitching something onto another item, such as fabric or clothing. It is used literally, describing sewing actions.
• Thayers: Defines ἐπιράπτω as “to sew on” or “to attach,” specifying its usage primarily in contexts where a physical attachment is made by sewing. It is seldom found outside of narrative descriptions of handiwork or garment preparation.
• Vines: Highlights ἐπιράπτω as “to fasten by sewing,” commonly seen in Biblical and extrabiblical literature referring to attaching patches or cloths. It is differentiated from other words for “joining” or “attaching” by its specific use of sewing.
• LSJ: Provides a broader classical interpretation, noting ἐπιράπτω is “to sew upon,” used particularly in descriptions of crafting and mending clothing, where items need to be joined securely.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐπιράπτω as “to sew on” or “to attach by sewing,” focusing on its literal meaning in contexts involving the making or mending of garments or other materials.

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Related Scripture References

• Mark 2:21: “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear results.” (Greek: “Οὐδεὶς ἐπιράπτει ἐπίβλημα ῥακους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ· εἰ δὲ μή, αἴρει τὸ πλήρωμα ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ, τὸ καινὸν τοῦ παλαιοῦ, καὶ χεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται.”)
  Here, ἐπιράπτει is used to illustrate a sewing action—specifically attaching a new patch to an old garment, emphasizing the incompatibility of the new with the old.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιράπτω (G1976)

The Greek verb ἐπιράπτω (epiraptō) provides a unique glimpse into the daily life and craftsmanship of the ancient world, particularly concerning sewing and attaching objects. As a verb that strictly refers to sewing actions, it reflects the cultural practices of mending, creating, and adorning fabrics or objects in both Biblical and classical literature. Understanding ἐπιράπτω helps elucidate passages where the preparation or repair of garments is involved, showcasing the importance of handiwork in ancient society.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπιράπτω comes from the combination of ἐπί (meaning “on” or “upon”) and ῥάπτω (meaning “to sew”). This construction demonstrates how Greek often forms new words by combining prepositions with basic verbs, creating a term with a specific meaning. Sewing in ancient times was not just a craft but an essential skill that played a crucial role in daily life, from mending garments to creating elaborate tapestries for both practical and decorative purposes.