Brief Overview of ἐπισπάω (Strong’s G1986: epispaō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament and gaining deeper insights into ancient Greek culture. The word ἐπισπάω (Strong’s G1986: epispaō) holds significance due to its unique usage in the context of the New Testament and its implications for cultural and religious practices of the time. This overview explores the meanings, lexicon insights, and classical usage of ἐπισπάω to offer a comprehensive understanding for both beginners and academics.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπισπάω (epispaō) [eh-pee-SPAH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and σπάω (spaō), meaning “to draw” or “pull.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; typically used in the middle voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To draw or pull over.
• To retract or cover.
• Specifically, in a medical or cultural sense, to draw the foreskin over the glans as part of the process of reversing circumcision.

Similar Words: ἐπιτείνω (epiteínō) [eh-pee-TEI-noh] means “to stretch over” or “to strain,” which, while related in sense, differs from epispaō in its emphasis on tension and stretching rather than the act of covering or drawing.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπισπάω is notable for its specific cultural connotation in Hellenistic societies, especially among Jews in the Greco-Roman world who sought to hide signs of circumcision to assimilate into Greek culture. Its middle voice usage suggests an action done for oneself.
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισπάω is described as drawing or pulling something over something else, particularly referring to the act of reversing circumcision in a cultural context where the practice of circumcision was undesirable or stigmatized.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Defines epispaō primarily as “to draw upon,” further expanding on its specific usage in historical contexts where Jewish men might attempt to hide the mark of circumcision.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Highlights the unique usage of epispaō as it pertains to attempts at cultural assimilation, where the term carries the weight of personal choice and identity in a mixed cultural setting.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Emphasizes the broader meanings, including to draw or pull something towards oneself, while noting the specialized medical usage in ancient literature.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Directly translates epispaō as “to draw over” and “to cover,” specifically linking it to the idea of concealing circumcision.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 7:18: “Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised [ἐπισπάσθω (epispathō)]. Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισπάω (G1986: epispaō)

The word ἐπισπάω (epispaō), a Greek verb meaning “to draw over” or “to retract,” is primarily associated with the cultural practice of reversing circumcision in the Greco-Roman world. This term holds particular significance in the New Testament and provides valuable insight into the socio-cultural dynamics and pressures faced by Jewish communities during this period. It is used in a limited but powerful way, especially in discussions about cultural conformity and identity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 7:18. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature also demonstrates a broader semantic range, including military and medical contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπισπάω was not only a term used in religious or cultural contexts but also had applications in ancient medicine? Physicians in the Greco-Roman world used the term to describe the act of drawing back skin during medical examinations or surgeries. This dual use highlights the rich and varied history of Greek vocabulary, where a single word could traverse multiple domains of everyday life.