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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for interpreting the New Testament accurately and appreciating the nuances of ancient Greek culture. The word ἐπανίστημι (epanistēmi) is particularly significant because it captures the concept of rising up, often in a confrontational or hostile sense. This verb is used in contexts that reflect opposition, rebellion, or standing up against someone or something, making it a powerful term in both theological and cultural discussions.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπανίστημι, transliterated as epanistēmi [ep-an-IS-tay-mee].
- Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “against”) and ἵστημι (histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to set”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To rise up against; to oppose.
- To rebel or revolt.
- To stand up; to stand forth in opposition.
Similar Words: ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) [an-IS-tay-mee], meaning “to rise” or “to stand up.” While ἀνίστημι can refer to any form of rising up, ἐπανίστημι carries a stronger connotation of rising against or opposing someone or something, often in a confrontational manner.
Further Insights: ἐπανίστημι is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (“upon” or “against”) and the verb ἵστημι (“to stand” or “to set”). This combination conveys the sense of standing up against someone or something. The middle voice often implies a personal or reflexive action, such as standing up for oneself or inciting oneself against another.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek verbs and their conjugation patterns.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐπανίστημι as “to rise up against” or “to oppose,” with a focus on rebellion, conflict, or standing in defiance. It appears in contexts where a person or group takes a stand against an authority or enemy.
Thayers: Provides the meaning “to rise up against” or “to rebel,” often used to describe hostile opposition or insurrection. Thayer’s lexicon also notes its usage in figurative contexts, such as standing against a prevailing opinion or force.
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Vines: Highlights the verb’s use in both literal and metaphorical senses, indicating a form of resistance or opposition. It is often employed in the context of rising up against leadership or authority.
LSJ: Lists ἐπανίστημι as “to rise up” or “to revolt against,” particularly in political or military contexts where groups or individuals oppose a ruling entity or system.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἐπανίστημι as a verb meaning “to stand up against” or “to rise in opposition,” derived from ἐπί and ἵστημι, and emphasizes its connotations of conflict or rebellion.
Related Scripture References
- Mark 13:12: “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up (ἐπανήσονται) against their parents and cause them to be put to death.”
- Luke 21:16: “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death (ἐπανήσονται).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The citizens rose up (ἐπανίστημι) against the tyrant and expelled him from the city.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “They decided to rise up (ἐπανίστημι) against their oppressors.” |
| Xenophon | Hellenica | “When the leader was unjust, the people rose (ἐπανίστημι) in rebellion.” |
| Septuagint Example | 1 Maccabees | “And they rose up (ἐπανίστημι) against the king’s command and defended their faith.” |
| Septuagint Example | Psalm 17:11 | “Enemies rise up (ἐπανίστημι) against me, surrounding me on every side.” |
| Septuagint Example | Isaiah 3:5 | “And the people shall rise up (ἐπανίστημι) against each other.” |
Summary of ἐπανίστημι (G1881: epanistēmi)
The Greek verb ἐπανίστημι (epanistēmi) means “to rise up against” or “to oppose,” emphasizing conflict, rebellion, or confrontation. This verb is significant in the New Testament and other ancient Greek writings for its use in describing situations where there is opposition to authority, leadership, or prevailing norms. Its usage provides insight into the socio-political dynamics of ancient Greek and early Christian contexts, as well as the cultural emphasis on standing up against perceived injustice or wrongdoing.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the verb ἐπανίστημι is frequently used in both Biblical and classical Greek literature to describe moments of uprising or rebellion? This word captures the spirit of resistance and defiance, reflecting the human desire for justice and autonomy throughout history.
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