from ἐπί and ἐγείρω; to rouse upon, i.e. (figuratively) to excite against:--raise, stir up.
Transliteration:epegeírō
Pronunciation:ep-eg-i'-ro
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1892 (ἐπεγείρω, *epegeírō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon," "against," or "in addition to," and the verb ἐγείρω (egeírō) `{{G1453}}`, meaning "to awaken," "to raise," or "to arouse." The combination suggests a directed or intensified form of rousing. The core meaning thus points to an active stirring up, specifically with an adversarial or hostile intent. It is not merely to awaken, but to "rouse upon" or "excite against" someone or something. The semantic range is narrow in its New Testament usage, consistently conveying the idea of instigating opposition, stirring up animosity, or inciting persecution. It implies a deliberate and often malicious act of incitement designed to provoke a negative response or action against a target.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1892 appears exclusively in the book of Acts, always in contexts describing opposition to the early Christian mission. Its limited but potent usage highlights a specific type of hostile action:
* In [[Acts 13:50]], the text states, "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women and the leading men of the city, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district." Here, epegeírō describes the direct incitement of influential members of society to create an atmosphere of hostility and active persecution against the apostles, leading to their expulsion. The act is deliberate and aims at disrupting the spread of the Gospel.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 14:2]], it is recorded, "But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren." In this instance, epegeírō refers to the psychological and emotional manipulation of the Gentile population, turning their minds and hearts against the nascent Christian community. The result is not just passive disagreement, but active embitterment, laying the groundwork for further conflict and potential violence.
In both occurrences, the agents of epegeírō are "the Jews" (referring to those who opposed Christian teaching), and the recipients are individuals or groups who are then moved to act antagonistically. The contexts consistently present G1892 as a verb of hostile instigation, leading directly to persecution, expulsion, or the poisoning of public opinion against believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The base verb ἐγείρω `{{G1453}}` itself means to awaken or raise, and is used broadly for raising from sleep, from death, or raising up people for a purpose. The prefix ἐπί `{{G1909}}` adds the specific nuance of "against" or "upon" which transforms a general "raising" into a targeted "stirring up" of opposition.
Other Greek terms that convey aspects of opposition or incitement, though distinct in nuance, include:
* διώκω `{{G1377}}` (diōkō): to pursue, persecute. This term describes the act of persecution itself, whereas epegeírō describes the instigation of it.
* παροξύνω `{{G3947}}` (paroxynō): to provoke, irritate, exasperate. While paroxynō can involve stirring up, it often refers to an internal irritation or a less organized form of provocation.
* ἀντιτάσσομαι `{{G4981}}` (antitassomai): to set oneself against, to oppose. This describes the act of resistance or opposition, rather than the incitement to it.
* συνεγείρω `{{G4891}}` (synegeírō): to raise together with. This is another compound of egeírō, but with σύν (syn) meaning "with," indicating a co-raising, often in a spiritual sense (e.g., raised with Christ). This highlights the distinct negative and hostile connotation of epegeírō.
The concept underlying epegeírō is one of active, often malicious, instigation of conflict and persecution, distinguishing it from general opposition or mere disagreement.
### Theological Significance
The use of G1892 in Acts carries significant theological weight. It underscores the reality of deliberate human opposition to the divine mission of spreading the Gospel. This is not merely accidental friction, but a concerted effort by hostile forces to impede the work of God through His apostles.
1. **The Nature of Persecution:** Epegeírō reveals that persecution against believers is often not spontaneous but is actively "stirred up" by those resistant to the message of Christ. This suggests a spiritual battle manifesting through human agency, where individuals are incited to hostility.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Opposition:** Despite these instigated efforts to hinder the Gospel, the narrative of Acts consistently shows that God's plan prevails. The apostles, though persecuted, continue their mission, often seeing further growth and the expansion of the church in new territories. The "stirring up" becomes a catalyst for the Gospel to reach new places, rather than a successful deterrent.
3. **The Cost of Discipleship:** The consistent appearance of epegeírō in the accounts of early Christian life serves as a stark reminder of the cost of discipleship. Following Christ often means facing active opposition and incitement from those who reject His truth. It is a testament to the enduring conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness.
4. **A Call to Discernment:** The term also implicitly calls believers to discernment, recognizing that overt hostility may stem from deliberate incitement rather than organic public opinion.
### Summary
G1892 (ἐπεγείρω, *epegeírō*) is a potent Greek verb, meaning "to rouse upon" or "to excite against," specifically conveying the sense of actively stirring up opposition or instigating persecution. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both within the Book of Acts ([[Acts 13:50]] and [[Acts 14:2]]), consistently depict hostile actors inciting individuals or groups against the apostles and the early Christian movement. This word highlights the deliberate and often malicious nature of the opposition faced by the nascent church, demonstrating that persecution was frequently a result of intentional incitement rather than spontaneous public outcry. Theologically, epegeírō underscores the reality of spiritual warfare manifested through human agents, the enduring cost of discipleship, and paradoxically, how such instigated opposition often served to further the spread of the Gospel to new regions.
TRV