### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1880 (epanérchomai) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "to," or "again," and the verb ἀνέρχομαι (anerchomai), which means "to go up" or "to come up" (derived from ἀνά (ana), "up," and ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`, "to come/go").
Therefore, the core meaning of epanérchomai is "to come up again" or "to return." The prefix ἐπί reinforces the idea of a return *to* a specific place or state, often implying a re-arrival or a resumption of a previous condition or location. While ἀνέρχομαι `{{G424}}` itself means "to go up," the "up" component in epanérchomai is often idiomatic, simply conveying the sense of returning to a point of origin or a significant destination, rather than a literal upward movement. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the act of returning, coming back, or going again to a previously visited place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1880 (epanérchomai) appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, each instance carrying significant contextual weight:
* **[[Luke 10:35]]**: In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan tells the innkeeper, "And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him: and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I **come again**, I will repay thee." Here, epanérchomai signifies a promised future return, underscoring the Samaritan's commitment and accountability. His return is not merely a re-appearance but a specific act of fulfilling a promise and settling accounts.
* **[[Luke 19:15]]**: In the Parable of the Minas (or Talents in Matthew's parallel), it is stated, "And it came to pass, that when he **was returned**, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading." This instance of epanérchomai describes the nobleman's return after a significant absence during which he acquired his kingdom. His return is the climactic moment of the parable, initiating a time of reckoning, judgment, and reward for his servants.
* **[[Acts 15:36]]**: Paul proposes to Barnabas, "And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us **go again** and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do." Here, epanérchomai (translated as "go again" or "return") reflects Paul's pastoral concern and his desire to revisit the nascent churches they had established. It emphasizes a return to a previously ministered area for the purpose of discipleship, encouragement, and oversight.
In each context, epanérchomai denotes a purposeful return, whether for accountability, judgment, or pastoral care. It is not a casual re-entry but a significant re-arrival with specific intentions.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1880 (epanérchomai) is part of a family of verbs related to movement, particularly returning.
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`**: The base verb meaning "to come" or "to go." epanérchomai is a specific type of coming or going – a return.
* **ἀνέρχομαι (anerchomai) `{{G424}}`**: The immediate base verb meaning "to go up" or "to come up." The "up" component is often metaphorical or simply part of the compound's established meaning of return.
* **ὑποστρέφω (hypostrephō) `{{G5290}}`**: A very common word for "to turn back," "to return," or "to go back." While often interchangeable in meaning with epanérchomai, hypostrephō emphasizes the turning back, whereas epanérchomai focuses more on the re-arrival at a destination.
* **ἀνακάμπτω (anakamptō) `{{G344}}`**: Meaning "to bend back" or "to return," often used for a journey's end or a change of direction back to a starting point.
* **ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō) `{{G654}}`**: "to turn away," "to turn back."
* **Antonyms**: Verbs of departure such as ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai) `{{G521}}` ("to go away," "to depart") or ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) `{{G1831}}` ("to go out," "to come forth").
The concept of "return" is central, often tied to themes of fulfillment, accountability, and continued relationship.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of epanérchomai carry profound theological weight, particularly in Luke's narrative:
* **Divine Accountability and Judgment**: In the Parable of the Minas ([[Luke 19:15]]), the nobleman's return is a powerful metaphor for the Lord's own return. This epanérchomai signals the time of reckoning, where faithfulness in stewardship is assessed and rewarded, and unfaithfulness is judged. This parable, therefore, serves as a vital teaching on eschatological accountability, urging believers to be prepared for Christ's ultimate return (Parousia), even though epanérchomai is not directly used to describe the Second Coming itself. The *concept* of a purposeful return for judgment is clearly conveyed.
* **Commitment and Fulfillment of Promises**: The Samaritan's promise to epanérchomai ([[Luke 10:35]]) elevates his act of compassion beyond a mere charitable gesture. It demonstrates a deep, enduring commitment to the injured man's well-being, even promising further financial support upon his return. Theologically, this illustrates the depth of true neighborly love, echoing God's own faithfulness to His promises and His ongoing care for humanity. It also subtly hints at the Lord's own commitment to His people, promising to repay and restore.
* **Pastoral Diligence and Follow-up**: Paul's desire to epanérchomai to the churches in Acts ([[Acts 15:36]]) highlights the essential nature of ongoing pastoral care. Ministry is not merely about initial evangelism but also about persistent discipleship, encouragement, and oversight. This underscores the biblical imperative for spiritual leaders to nurture and strengthen the believers, ensuring their growth and perseverance in faith. It reflects the shepherd's heart, continually returning to tend the flock.
In essence, epanérchomai points to purposeful returns that involve responsibility, judgment, and sustained care, reflecting divine attributes and human duties within the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
### Summary
G1880 (epanérchomai) precisely conveys the idea of "to return" or "to come back," often with the nuance of re-arriving at a specific place or resuming a previous condition. Though appearing only three times in the New Testament, its usage is highly significant: in Luke's parables, it vividly portrays themes of divine accountability and the Lord's future return for judgment and reward, as seen in the nobleman's return in the Parable of the Minas ([[Luke 19:15]]) and the Samaritan's promise of repayment upon his return ([[Luke 10:35]]). In Acts, it underscores the diligent and ongoing nature of apostolic and pastoral care, as Paul seeks to epanérchomai to the churches he founded ([[Acts 15:36]]). Thus, epanérchomai is a word that speaks to the fulfillment of promises, the inevitability of reckoning, and the steadfastness of spiritual oversight, all pointing to the purposeful and sovereign movements within God's redemptive plan.
TRV