Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in biblical studies for uncovering the deeper meanings behind scriptural texts. The Greek word ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai, Strong’s G2177) is particularly significant due to its vivid imagery and its relevance to ancient Greek culture and New Testament interpretation. This term generally conveys the sense of leaping or springing upon something, which often implies sudden action or movement. Exploring ἐφάλλομαι provides valuable insights into the energetic language used in the scriptures and other ancient Greek writings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai) [ef-AL-lo-mai]
• Etymology: Composed of the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “on”) and the verb ἅλλομαι (hallomai, meaning “to leap” or “to spring”), indicating a dynamic action of leaping or jumping upon something.
• Part of Speech: Verb. Middle voice. Present tense.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To leap upon: Describes a sudden movement or action of jumping onto or towards something.
• To spring up: Conveys a sense of rapid or vigorous movement, often with a sense of urgency or excitement.

Similar Words: ἀναπηδάω (anapēdaō) [a-na-pe-DA-oh], meaning “to leap up” or “to spring forth.” While ἀναπηδάω generally indicates a vertical or upward jump, ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai) emphasizes a leap directed toward or upon an object. πηδάω (pēdaō) [pe-DA-oh], meaning “to jump” or “to leap,” is a more general term for jumping without a specific direction implied.

Further Insights: The verb ἐφάλλομαι is in the middle voice, which in Greek often implies that the subject is acting upon itself or for its own interest. This can add a layer of reflexivity or emphasis to the action, suggesting that the leaping is both dynamic and purposeful. Below is the table showing the full present indicative middle/passive conjugation of ἐφάλλομαι:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐφάλλομαι as “to leap upon, to spring upon,” with emphasis on the action of jumping or pouncing on something or someone. It highlights the intensity of the movement, often associated with sudden or forceful actions.
• Thayer’s: Describes ἐφάλλομαι as “to leap upon, spring up,” pointing out its usage in both literal and figurative contexts where rapid movement or a sudden rush is implied. Thayer’s also notes its middle voice construction, which implies a sense of the subject acting with personal involvement or interest.
• Vine’s: Indicates that ἐφάλλομαι is used to depict energetic action, often involving a leap or jump upon something. Vine’s focuses on its New Testament usage and the vivid imagery it conveys in describing actions that are swift and decisive.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon includes ἐφάλλομαι as a term commonly used in classical Greek to describe a physical leap or pounce, often in a combat or hunting scenario, where the action is rapid and directed toward a specific target.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Concisely defines ἐφάλλομαι as “to leap upon,” and emphasizes its root words and the combination of “upon” and “leap,” which directly indicates an active, sudden movement or action.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 19:16 – “And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped [ἐφαλλόμενος] on them, mastered all of them, and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐφάλλομαι (G2177: ephallomai)

The Greek word ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai, Strong’s G2177) is a verb meaning “to leap upon” or “to spring up.” This dynamic term is used in both biblical and classical Greek literature to describe a sudden, vigorous action directed toward a target. In Greek grammar, it appears in the middle voice, suggesting that the action involves personal involvement or emphasis. Understanding ἐφάλλομαι enriches our comprehension of energetic expressions in ancient texts, particularly in contexts of combat, urgency, or spirited behavior.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient Greek warfare and hunting, verbs like ἐφάλλομαι were used to describe the aggressive and sudden actions of warriors and predators? This vivid language choice not only conveys the physical movement but also the intensity and determination behind such leaps, reflecting the cultural values of courage, power, and swift action.