### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epágō**, represented by `{{G1863}}`, is defined as to superinduce, i.e. inflict an evil, or charge a crime. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's core meaning centers on the act of bringing something negative upon a person or group, whether it be a consequence, a judgment, or an accusation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1863}}` consistently carries a sense of imposing a severe outcome. In the book of Acts, the council accuses the apostles of trying to **bring** Jesus's blood upon them, framing the apostles' teaching as an attempt to inflict guilt for a crime [[Acts 5:28]]. The Apostle Peter uses the term twice in his second epistle. He warns that false teachers will **bring** upon themselves "swift destruction" as a consequence of their heresies [[2 Peter 2:1]]. He also uses it to describe God's past judgment, noting that God spared not the old world but was the one **bringing in** the flood upon the ungodly [[2 Peter 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to clarify the context and meaning of `{{G1863}}`:
* `{{G3919}}` **pareiságō** (to lead in aside, i.e. introduce surreptitiously): This word is used in conjunction with `{{G1863}}` to describe the method of false teachers. They "privily shall **bring in**" damnable heresies, which is the action that leads to them bringing destruction upon themselves [[2 Peter 2:1]].
* `{{G684}}` **apṓleia** (ruin or loss; physical, spiritual or eternal): This is the specific consequence that is brought upon the false teachers in [[2 Peter 2:1]]. The action of `{{G1863}}` results in "swift **destruction**" `{{G684}}`, highlighting the severe end of those who deny the Lord.
* `{{G1014}}` **boúlomai** (to "will," i.e. be willing, intend): In [[Acts 5:28]], the council accuses the apostles because they **intend** to bring Jesus's blood upon them. This connects the act of inflicting a charge `{{G1863}}` with the will or perceived intent behind it.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1863}}` is tied to the concepts of judgment and consequence.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is used to describe God's sovereign action in judging sin. By **bringing in** the flood, God executed judgment upon the ungodly world while saving Noah, a "preacher of righteousness" [[2 Peter 2:5]].
* **Self-Inflicted Consequence:** Peter uses the word to emphasize personal accountability. False teachers who introduce heresies and deny the Lord are not just judged by God, but they actively **bring** destruction "upon themselves" [[2 Peter 2:1]].
* **Accusation and Guilt:** In a human context, the word signifies the imposition of guilt. The council in Acts viewed the apostles' message not as truth, but as a hostile act meant to **bring** upon them the blame for Jesus's death [[Acts 5:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1863}}` is a specific and forceful term used to denote the infliction of a negative reality. Though used infrequently, it powerfully communicates the gravity of consequences, whether as a divine judgment against ungodliness, a self-inflicted result of apostasy, or a formal charge of wrongdoing. The word consistently illustrates that actions—whether from God or from man—can directly bring about severe and destructive ends.
TRV