G1968
Introduction
Understanding Greek words such as ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) is crucial in Biblical studies as it reveals the nuances of action and emotion conveyed in the New Testament. The word ἐπιπίπτω is particularly significant as it is often used to describe intense emotional responses or physical actions like falling upon or embracing. Its usage helps readers to understand the dynamics of early Christian experiences and the vivid imagery in ancient Greek literature and biblical texts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) [eh-pee-PEEP-toh]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and πίπτω (piptō, “to fall”), meaning “to fall upon” or “to rush towards.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; used to describe an action involving movement towards something or someone.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To fall upon
- To rush upon
- To embrace eagerly
- To press upon or attack
Similar Words: προσπίπτω (prospiptō) [pros-PEEP-toh], meaning “to fall down before” or “to bow down in supplication.” While ἐπιπίπτω emphasizes falling upon something or someone with intensity or urgency, προσπίπτω focuses on the act of submission or reverence.
Further Insights: ἐπιπίπτω is a compound verb combining ἐπί (epi) and πίπτω (piptō). The prefix ἐπί adds a sense of directionality or focus, intensifying the action of “falling” as in “falling upon” or “embracing.” Below is the declension table for the verb ἐπιπίπτω:
Tense / Mood | Present | Future | Aorist | Perfect | Pluperfect | Future Perfect |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indicative | ἐπιπίπτω | ἐπιπεσοῦμαι | ἐπέπεσον | ἐπιπέπτωκα | — | — |
Subjunctive | ἐπιπίπτω | — | ἐπιπέσω | — | — | — |
Imperative | ἐπιπίπτε | — | ἐπέπεσε | — | — | — |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐπιπίπτω as “to fall upon” in a physical sense or metaphorically “to rush upon with intense emotion.” It is often used in contexts of strong, sudden action or divine encounter.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιπίπτω can mean “to embrace eagerly” or “to attack suddenly.” The term implies intensity and urgency, whether in a friendly or hostile manner.
- Vines: Highlights ἐπιπίπτω as indicative of a forceful action, whether in love (as in an embrace) or aggression (as in an attack). It draws from the prefix ἐπί (upon) to suggest directionality and focus.
- LSJ: Provides a detailed breakdown of ἐπιπίπτω with various classical usages, ranging from physical actions (like falling or attacking) to more figurative meanings (like emotional outpourings).
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπιπίπτω as “to fall upon,” and provides contexts such as physical falling, emotional embracing, or sudden encounters.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 10:44: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on all them which heard the word.”
- Acts 20:10: “And Paul went down, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.”
- Luke 15:20: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on his neck, and kissed him.”
Classical Usage
Author | Name of Work | English Text |
---|---|---|
Homer | Iliad | “And Hector fell (ἐπέπεσε) upon the Greeks like a lion rushing down the mountainside.” |
Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The Athenians fell (ἐπέπεσον) upon their enemies suddenly, causing great panic.” |
Herodotus | Histories | “The Persians, with a great shout, fell (ἐπέπεσον) upon the Greeks, their spears thrust forward.” |
Septuagint | Genesis 33:4 | “And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” |
Septuagint | Joshua 7:6 | “And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell (ἐπέπεσεν) to the earth upon his face before the ark of the Lord.” |
Septuagint | 1 Samuel 10:10 | “And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came (ἐπέπεσεν) upon him.” |
Summary of ἐπιπίπτω (G1968)
The Greek verb ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō) conveys a powerful sense of motion and emotion, often describing a sudden or intense action such as falling upon, embracing, or attacking. Its usage in the New Testament and classical literature underscores moments of divine intervention, emotional reunion, or sudden assault. As a versatile verb, it offers a vivid picture of action, both physical and metaphorical, which enriches Biblical narratives and helps readers visualize the dynamics of early Christian and ancient Greek experiences.
Did You Know?
The word ἐπιπίπτω appears in significant moments of the New Testament, such as in Acts 10:44, where the Holy Spirit “fell” upon the Gentile believers, marking a pivotal moment in the early church’s expansion to include non-Jewish followers. It’s also famously used in Luke 15:20 in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father “fell upon” his returning son in a gesture of reconciliation and love, illustrating the compassionate nature of God.
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