Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it allows for a more accurate interpretation of the original texts and a deeper appreciation of their cultural and theological contexts. The Greek word ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō), meaning “to bring upon” or “to bear,” is significant both in the New Testament and in broader ancient Greek literature. Its usage ranges from the physical act of bringing or carrying something to the more abstract sense of imposing or inflicting something, such as responsibility, judgment, or even emotion. This versatility makes it an important word for understanding how actions and consequences are portrayed in Greek thought and scripture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō) [eh-pee-FER-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπι- (epi-), meaning “upon” or “over,” and φέρω (phérō), meaning “to carry” or “to bring.” Combined, the word conveys the idea of bringing or placing something upon another.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in various forms depending on tense, mood, and voice, such as active or middle voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Bring Upon: To cause something to come upon or to bring about a result or effect.
• To Bear or Carry: To physically carry or bear something, often with the sense of bringing it to a specific place or person.
• To Inflict or Impose: To impose or inflict something, such as a burden, judgment, or duty, on someone.

Similar Words: προσφέρω (prosphérō) [pros-FER-oh], meaning “to offer” or “to present,” shares the root phérō (“to bring”) but carries a slightly different connotation, emphasizing the act of bringing forward or presenting an offering or gift. ἐπιφέρω is broader in its range of meanings and includes bringing upon something more abstract, such as consequences or emotions.

Further Insights: The word ἐπιφέρω has notable morphological variations based on tense and voice, which are crucial for understanding its usage in different contexts. Below is a table showing some of the primary conjugations in the present tense:

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
epiphérō is defined as “to bring upon” or “to carry,” often in contexts involving judgment, emotional burden, or consequences brought upon an individual or group. It may also imply a sense of responsibility being laid upon someone.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epiphérō as “to bring upon” or “to inflict,” specifically referring to the act of placing something on another, either physically (as in carrying) or metaphorically (as in imposing consequences).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epiphérō is used in passages that depict the action of bringing or bearing something upon oneself or others, particularly in the sense of bearing burdens or responsibilities.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights the usage of epiphérō in classical Greek to denote both literal and metaphorical actions of bringing or imposing, such as bringing a charge against someone or bearing the weight of a task.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epiphérō as “to bring upon” or “to lay upon,” often in the sense of causing something to happen to someone, whether it be positive (as in bringing gifts) or negative (as in bringing judgment).

Related Scripture References

• Acts 5:28: “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring [ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō)] this man’s blood upon us.”
• Hebrews 6:1: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith [ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō)] toward God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιφέρω (G2018: epiphérō)

The Greek word ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō), meaning “to bring upon,” “to bear,” or “to inflict,” is a versatile verb used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It appears in New Testament passages where bringing about consequences, judgments, or actions is significant. Its use in classical Greek literature further emphasizes the importance of understanding the weight or responsibility placed upon individuals or groups. The word provides rich imagery for interpreting actions, consequences, and burdens within both sacred and secular ancient Greek texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιφέρω (epiphérō) is often used in legal and judicial contexts in ancient Greek literature? This verb could imply not just carrying a physical burden but also bringing charges or accusations against someone. It reflects the multi-dimensional nature of Greek verbs, where the same word can have a wide range of applications, from the practical to the deeply metaphorical.