Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and grasping the cultural and linguistic nuances of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπισωρεύω (Strong’s G2002: episōreúō) is particularly significant because it means “to heap up” or “to accumulate.” This verb is relevant in contexts where there is a sense of piling up, whether of physical objects or metaphorical concepts like sins, burdens, or judgments. Its use helps illuminate passages that deal with themes of abundance, excess, and the consequences of accumulation.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισωρεύω (episōreúō) [eh-pee-so-reh-OO]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb σωρεύω (sōreúō), meaning “to heap” or “to pile up.” Together, they convey the idea of “heaping upon” or “accumulating.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To heap up or pile up.
• To accumulate or gather in large amounts.
• To bring together or collect extensively.

Similar Words: συνάγω (synágō) [soo-NAH-go] also means “to gather” or “to collect,” but it typically refers to bringing together people or things in an organized manner. In contrast, episōreúō emphasizes the act of piling up or accumulating, often with a negative connotation of excess or burden.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπισωρεύω is a compound that combines the idea of piling or heaping with an intensifying prefix. It is commonly used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe the accumulation of physical items, responsibilities, or even metaphorical burdens like sins or judgments. The form reflects the process of accumulation and can be used both in positive and negative contexts.

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισωρεύω is defined as “to heap up” or “to accumulate,” often in a context where there is a sense of building up something to an excessive degree. It is used metaphorically to describe the piling up of sins, offenses, or troubles.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes episōreúō as “to heap upon” or “to accumulate.” It highlights its use in passages where there is an emphasis on gathering or piling up, often referring to intangible things like sins or burdens.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that episōreúō is used to convey the idea of accumulating or gathering, typically with a focus on an excessive or burdensome accumulation. It is often employed metaphorically to describe the buildup of judgments or problems.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that episōreúō can mean “to heap up” or “to amass,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes the piling up of goods, wealth, or other items, whether for storage or in a metaphorical sense.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines episōreúō as “to heap up” or “accumulate,” particularly focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe the collection or buildup of items, concerns, or sins.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 2:5: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up [ἐπισωρεύεις (episōreúeis)] unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισωρεύω (G2002: episōreúō)

The Greek word ἐπισωρεύω (episōreúō), meaning “to heap up” or “to accumulate,” is a verb that captures the concept of piling up, whether of physical items or metaphorical entities like sins, judgments, or troubles. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of accumulating God’s wrath through stubbornness or unrepentance, as seen in Romans 2:5. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe the accumulation of wealth, defenses, or even transgressions. Understanding episōreúō provides valuable insights into the dynamics of accumulation, both literal and metaphorical, in Biblical and ancient Greek contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπισωρεύω combines the Greek root for “heap” with a prefix that implies intensity or focus, resulting in a word that suggests an active piling up or amassing of something, often with consequences? This reflects the ancient Greek tendency to use language that vividly describes actions and their potential impacts, particularly in moral or ethical teachings.