Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is crucial for interpreting the text accurately and appreciating its full meaning. The Greek word ἐμπίπτω (empíptō) is one such word that plays a significant role in conveying the nuances of various passages. This verb is particularly interesting because it encapsulates the idea of falling into or upon something, which can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically in different contexts. Its usage in the New Testament provides valuable insights into the physical and spiritual conditions described by the authors, making it a word worth exploring in depth.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμπίπτω (empíptō) [em-PEEP-toh]
• Etymology: The word is composed of the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “on,” and the verb πίπτω (píptō), meaning “to fall.” The combination forms the verb ἐμπίπτω, which means “to fall into” or “to fall upon.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Second Aorist Active Indicative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To fall into: This primary meaning is often used in a literal sense, describing the physical action of falling into something, such as a pit or water.
• To fall upon or attack: This sense is more metaphorical, indicating a sudden or forceful action, such as falling upon someone to attack or seize them.
• To be overtaken by or to encounter: In a figurative sense, ἐμπίπτω can describe being overtaken by emotions, events, or conditions, such as fear, judgment, or misfortune.

Similar Words:

• πίπτω (píptō) [PEEP-toh]: This is the root verb meaning “to fall.” While it shares the basic idea with ἐμπίπτω, it lacks the directional or locational emphasis provided by the prefix ἐν (en).
• προσπίπτω (prospíptō) [pros-PEEP-toh]: Meaning “to fall upon” or “to prostrate oneself before,” this verb is similar in that it also involves the action of falling, but with an added sense of direction towards something or someone.
• καταπίπτω (katapíptō) [kata-PEEP-toh]: This verb means “to fall down,” particularly with a sense of suddenness or collapse. It differs from ἐμπίπτω in its emphasis on the downward motion.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The prefix ἐν (en) modifies the verb πίπτω (píptō), giving it a locational or directional emphasis, which is essential in understanding the various nuances of ἐμπίπτω in different contexts.
• Linguistic Features: The verb ἐμπίπτω is often used in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action. This is significant in understanding the narrative flow in passages where this verb appears, often highlighting a sudden or impactful event.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG describes ἐμπίπτω as a verb meaning “to fall into” or “to fall upon,” and it emphasizes both the literal and figurative uses of the word in the New Testament. It notes that this verb is often used in contexts of sudden or unexpected events, such as judgment or attack.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon elaborates on the usage of ἐμπίπτω, noting its application in both physical and metaphorical senses. It highlights instances where the word describes falling into physical locations as well as being overtaken by emotions or conditions.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out that ἐμπίπτω often signifies the onset of a situation, whether falling into a trap, misfortune, or encountering a challenge. This verb underscores the suddenness and often the inevitability of the events described.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader classical usage of ἐμπίπτω, where it was commonly used to describe physical actions, such as falling into a pit or being overwhelmed by forces. It also notes its metaphorical uses in classical literature, similar to its New Testament usage.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμπίπτω as “to fall in” or “to fall upon,” emphasizing its use in describing actions that involve a significant change or encounter, often with negative connotations, such as judgment or disaster.

Scripture References

• Luke 10:30 – “Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell (ἐμπέσων) among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.’”
• Acts 20:9 – “And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer, and being overcome by sleep, he fell (ἐμπεσὼν) down from the third story and was taken up dead.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπίπτω (G1706: empíptō)

The Greek verb ἐμπίπτω (empíptō) carries significant weight in its application within the New Testament, describing both literal and metaphorical falls. Whether indicating a physical descent or an unexpected encounter with danger or difficulty, ἐμπίπτω encapsulates moments of sudden change or crisis. Its usage highlights the vulnerability and the abruptness of certain events or conditions, making it a powerful term in biblical narrative and theological discourse.

Did You Know?

In classical Greek literature, ἐμπίπτω was often used to describe warriors falling into ambushes or sudden attacks, reflecting the element of surprise and vulnerability. This background enriches our understanding of its New Testament usage, particularly in passages describing sudden judgment or unexpected encounters.