Brief Overview of ἐπιχέω (Strong’s G2022: epicheō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the meaning and context of Scripture. The Greek word ἐπιχέω (epicheō), which means “to pour upon” or “to pour out,” is particularly significant for its use in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. This verb is used to describe actions involving the pouring of liquid, such as oil or water, often symbolizing blessing, anointing, or judgment. It holds importance for interpreting New Testament passages that involve ceremonial or symbolic actions and provides insight into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Greek and Jewish societies.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιχέω (epicheō) [eh-pee-KHEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon,” and χέω (cheō), meaning “to pour.” Together, they convey the sense of pouring something onto or over a surface.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used primarily in the active voice but also in the passive to indicate being poured upon.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Pour Upon: To cause a liquid to flow over or onto something, often indicating an act of anointing, blessing, or covering.
• To Pour Out: To cause a liquid to be emptied from a container onto a surface, sometimes used metaphorically for the pouring out of emotions or judgment.

Similar Words: ἔκχεω (ekcheō) [EK-kheh-oh], meaning “to pour out.” While ἔκχεω emphasizes the act of pouring something out completely, often with a connotation of abundance or intensity, ἐπιχέω focuses on the action of pouring onto or over a particular object or person, often in a controlled manner.

Further Insights: ἐπιχέω is primarily used in contexts involving liquids, such as oil or water, and appears in both literal and metaphorical senses. In the Greek New Testament, it is found in both indicative and imperative forms, often indicating a command or description of action. Below is a table showing the conjugation in the present indicative active form:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Epicheō is defined as “to pour upon,” often used in contexts involving the pouring of liquids such as oil, water, or blood, both in literal and metaphorical senses. The BDAG highlights its use in ceremonial or ritualistic contexts.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epicheō as “to pour upon or over,” with particular emphasis on its usage in the New Testament to describe the act of pouring oil or water in a ceremonial or symbolic context, such as anointing or judgment.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Explains epicheō as “to pour upon” and notes its use in various New Testament contexts, often as part of a religious or ritual act. Vine’s also points out the contrast between epicheō and other verbs for pouring, emphasizing the controlled, deliberate nature of this word.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists epicheō as “to pour upon,” particularly in classical texts where it describes actions involving the pouring of liquids in religious rites, sacrifices, or daily life activities.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epicheō as “to pour upon,” highlighting its specific use in passages that involve pouring oil or water, especially in religious or symbolic acts.

Related Scripture References

• Revelation 16:2: “So the first angel went and poured [ἐξέχεεν (epicheoen)] his bowl on the earth, and foul and loathsome sores came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.”
• Mark 14:3: “And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured [ἐπιχέω (epicheō)] it on His head.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιχέω (G2022: epicheō)

The Greek verb ἐπιχέω (epicheō), meaning “to pour upon” or “to pour out,” is often used to describe the action of pouring a liquid, such as oil or water, over an object or person. This verb is frequently employed in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in ceremonial anointings, blessings, or judgments. Understanding the use of epicheō in the New Testament and classical literature provides a deeper appreciation of the symbolic actions that are central to both Biblical and ancient Greek cultural narratives. It is a versatile term that underscores the importance of deliberate and meaningful actions in both spiritual and practical settings.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιχέω (epicheō) is often used in the context of anointing with oil, which was a common practice in ancient Greek and Jewish rituals? This act was not only seen as a physical action but also as a spiritual symbol of blessing, purification, or the Holy Spirit’s presence. The use of this word helps us understand the depth and significance of such rituals in the Biblical narrative and provides a richer understanding of ancient customs.