Brief Overview of ἐπιβοάω (Strong’s G1916: epiboáō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it deepens the understanding of Scripture’s original meaning and context. The Greek word ἐπιβοάω (transliterated as “epiboáō”) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of “crying out” or “calling upon” with intensity or urgency. This verb is essential for interpreting New Testament passages where vocal outcries, desperate pleas, or urgent calls are expressed, whether to God or among people. By understanding ἐπιβοάω, readers can gain a richer appreciation of the emotional intensity and the cultural context in which such expressions were made in ancient Greek and biblical narratives.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπιβοάω (epiboáō) [eh-pee-BOH-ah-oh]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “on,” and βοάω (boaō), meaning “to shout” or “to cry out.” Combined, ἐπιβοάω translates to “to cry out upon” or “to call out loudly to someone or something.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, Active Voice
• Grammatical Details: Present tense, active voice, indicative mood, first person singular. This form indicates a continuous or repeated action of crying out or calling upon someone or something.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To cry out”
• “To shout upon”
• “To call upon loudly”
• “To exclaim”
• “To appeal with a loud voice”

Similar Words:
The Greek word κράζω (krázō) [KRAH-zoh], meaning “to cry out” or “to scream,” is similar to ἐπιβοάω. However, while κράζω focuses more on the action of crying out or screaming loudly, often in distress, ἐπιβοάω emphasizes calling out with a purpose or to make an appeal. Another related word is φωνέω (phonéō) [foh-NEH-oh], meaning “to call” or “to speak loudly,” which can imply a general calling or announcing rather than the urgent or pleading tone associated with ἐπιβοάω.

Further Insights:
As an active verb, ἐπιβοάω involves an intentional action by the subject to cry out or appeal loudly to someone or something. It is often used in contexts involving urgent pleas, emotional outcries, or calls for help. The present tense suggests an ongoing or habitual action, relevant in passages that describe persistent or fervent cries.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπιβοάω as a verb meaning “to cry out” or “to call upon,” particularly in contexts involving strong emotion, urgency, or appeal, often directed towards God or a higher authority.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπιβοάω as “to cry out to” or “to shout upon,” emphasizing its use in passages where a person is making a desperate or earnest plea, often in a loud and emotional manner.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπιβοάω under verbs of shouting and calling, focusing on its use to describe actions of calling out with a loud voice, especially in prayer or supplication.

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LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a detailed overview of ἐπιβοάω as a verb meaning “to cry out loudly” or “to call upon.” It appears in classical Greek literature to denote actions where a person loudly appeals or exclaims, often in a public or dramatic context.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπιβοάω as a verb meaning “to cry out” or “to shout upon.” It highlights its use in passages where a deliberate act of crying out is described, often with a sense of urgency or desperation.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 15:13: “And they cried out (ἐπιβοάω) again, Crucify him.”
• Mark 15:14: “Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out (ἐπιβοάω) the more exceedingly, Crucify him.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιβοάω (G1916)

The Greek verb ἐπιβοάω (epiboáō) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “crying out,” “calling upon,” or “shouting.” Its primary meanings revolve around the act of loudly appealing, crying out, or shouting with urgency, whether literally or metaphorically. In the New Testament, ἐπιβοάω appears in contexts that emphasize intense emotion, fervent appeals, or dramatic public exclamations. Understanding ἐπιβοάω is crucial for appreciating the emotional intensity, cultural expressions, and spiritual dynamics described in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπιβοάω is used in Mark 15:13-14 to describe the crowd’s fervent cries of “Crucify him” during the trial of Jesus? This term reflects not just a loud cry, but a collective, forceful outcry, illustrating the tension and intensity of the moment in the Gospel narrative.