Introduction

Understanding Greek words like ἐπιρίπτω (epiriptō) is vital in Biblical studies as it enhances the comprehension of action and movement in various New Testament contexts. This verb, which primarily means “to throw upon” or “to cast upon,” is often used metaphorically to convey the act of casting one’s burdens or cares onto God. Additionally, it holds significance in ancient Greek literature, where it can depict literal actions like throwing or casting objects or metaphorical ideas of casting responsibility or blame.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιρίπτω (epiriptō) [eh-pee-RIP-toh]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “on” or “upon”) and ῥίπτω (rhiptō, “to throw” or “to cast”), ἐπιρίπτω means “to throw upon” or “to cast upon.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (active); it describes the action of casting or throwing something onto or upon another object or entity.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To throw upon
• To cast upon
• To place or put on forcibly

Similar Words: ῥίπτω (rhiptō) [RIP-toh], meaning “to throw” or “to hurl.” While ῥίπτω is a general term for throwing or hurling an object, ἐπιρίπτω specifically implies throwing something “upon” another object or surface, adding a directional nuance to the action.

Further Insights: ἐπιρίπτω is an active verb that typically implies a deliberate action of throwing or casting. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to signify casting burdens, worries, or physical objects. Below is the declension table:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπιρίπτω as “to throw upon” or “to cast upon,” emphasizing both literal and metaphorical uses. It is used in contexts where physical objects are cast or where figurative actions, such as casting one’s burdens on God, are described.
• Thayers: Elaborates on ἐπιρίπτω as “to cast upon” or “to throw on,” particularly in passages where it is employed to convey the idea of transferring worries or responsibilities. The word is often linked to emotional or spiritual contexts.
• Vines: Highlights ἐπιρίπτω as “to throw upon” or “to cast upon,” frequently seen in texts encouraging believers to cast their anxieties upon God, illustrating a trusting transfer of concerns.
• LSJ: Provides a classical interpretation of ἐπιρίπτω as “to throw upon,” noting its use in descriptions of physical actions involving the forceful placement of objects upon another surface.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐπιρίπτω as “to cast upon” or “to throw upon,” emphasizing its applications in both physical and figurative contexts within Biblical and extrabiblical literature.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (Greek: “πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρίψαντες ἐπ’ αὐτόν, ὅτι αὐτῷ μέλει περὶ ὑμῶν.”)
  Here, ἐπιρίψαντες is used metaphorically to encourage believers to throw their worries or burdens onto God, demonstrating a relinquishing of personal concerns to divine care.
• Luke 19:35: “They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.” (Greek: “καὶ ἤγαγον αὐτὸν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐπιρίψαντες τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸν πῶλον, ἐπεβίβασαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν.”)
  In this passage, ἐπιρίψαντες describes the action of physically casting garments upon the colt, illustrating the word’s literal usage.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιρίπτω (G1977)

The Greek verb ἐπιρίπτω (epiriptō) is a versatile term that finds relevance in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In the New Testament, it is used to express the concept of “casting upon” or “throwing upon,” often employed metaphorically to encourage believers to throw their burdens upon God. Its classical usage shows its application in physical actions, such as throwing or hurling objects. By understanding ἐπιρίπτω, one gains insight into the physical and spiritual dynamics of ancient Greek culture, both in Biblical and extrabiblical texts.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπιρίπτω comes from combining ἐπί (“on” or “upon”) and ῥίπτω (“to throw”). This compound formation is common in Greek, where prepositions are added to verbs to create new meanings with nuanced directions or targets of actions. The concept of “casting upon” is used frequently in spiritual teachings to illustrate trust and reliance on divine support, showing the cultural and religious mindset of casting away burdens or responsibilities to a higher power.