Word Study for G1706 (ἐμπίπτω)

empíptō /em-pip'-to/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐν and πίπτω

Meaningto fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with

KJV usagefall among (into).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of empíptō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word empíptō, represented by G1706, means to fall on or fall into. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. The word's meaning conveys the idea of being literally entrapped, as in falling into a pit, or figuratively overwhelmed, such as falling into temptation or judgment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G1706 is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes an animal that has fallen into a pit G999 on the Sabbath, prompting a question of its immediate rescue (Matthew 12:11; Luke 14:5). It is also used to describe the man who fell among thieves G3027 in the parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:36. Figuratively, the term carries a strong sense of warning. An overseer must have a good reputation, lest he fall into reproach G3680 and the snare G3803 of the devil G1228 1 Timothy 3:7. The most severe warning states that it is a fearful thing G5398 to fall into the hands of the living God Hebrews 10:31.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which one might fall:

G3986 peirasmós (temptation): This word for a trial or adversity is presented as a spiritual danger one can fall into, particularly for those who desire to be rich 1 Timothy 6:9. It signifies a putting to proof that can lead to a negative outcome.
G3803 pagís (snare): Defined as a trap or stratagem, this word is used alongside G1706 to illustrate being caught by temptation 1 Timothy 6:9 or the devil 1 Timothy 3:7.
G2917 kríma (condemnation): This term, meaning a decision or judgment, is the consequence a novice church leader might fall into if they become lifted up with pride G5187 1 Timothy 3:6.
G999 bóthynos (ditch, pit): This word for a hole in the ground represents the most literal danger associated with G1706, as seen in the example of a sheep that might fall into a pit Matthew 12:11.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1706 is significant, highlighting the tangible consequences of moral and spiritual states.

The Danger of Pride: A recurring theme is that pride precedes a fall. A new leader who becomes lifted up with pride G5187 is in danger of falling into the condemnation G2917 of the devil 1 Timothy 3:6.
The Trap of Worldly Desire: The desire to be rich G4147 is depicted as a path that leads people to fall into temptation G3986 and a snare G3803, which ultimately drown G1036 them in destruction G3639 and perdition G684 1 Timothy 6:9.
Divine Judgment: The most sobering use of the word points to inescapable divine reckoning. The act of falling into God's hands is not a plea for mercy but the arrival of a fearful G5398 outcome for those who face His judgment Hebrews 10:31.

Summary

In summary, G1706 is a powerful word that illustrates a sudden and entrapping descent. While it can describe a literal event like falling into a pit Luke 14:5, its primary theological function is to serve as a warning. It cautions that pride, worldly ambition, and a poor reputation can cause a person to fall into traps of condemnation, reproach, and temptation, with the ultimate consequence being an encounter with the fearful judgment of God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 3×
2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
2nd Aorist Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Future Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Future Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×

Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Middle Deponent: Middle in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 1 Timothy (3 verses); never once in the other 23.

Matthew

Luke

1 Timothy

Hebrews

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.