ἐπάγω

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.