### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epérchomai**, represented by `{{G1904}}`, means to supervene, i.e. arrive, occur, impend, attack, or to influence. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term denotes more than a simple arrival; it signifies an event or influence coming upon someone or something, often with significant and transformative results.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G1904}}` describes several types of impactful arrivals. It is used for the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit, which will **come** upon the disciples to give them power [[Acts 1:8]] and which **came** upon Mary, resulting in the conception of Jesus [[Luke 1:35]]. The word also carries a sense of impending doom or judgment, as seen in the warning of "miseries that shall **come upon** you" [[James 5:1]] and fearful events **coming on** the earth [[Luke 21:26]]. In a physical sense, it can describe an attack, where a stronger man will **come upon** another to overcome him [[Luke 11:22]], or the arrival of adversaries, as when Jews **came thither** from Antioch and Iconium to persecute Paul [[Acts 14:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G1904}}` appears:
* `{{G1982}}` **episkiázō** (to cast a shade upon... to invest with preternatural influence): This word is used alongside `{{G1904}}` to describe the divine event of the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary, where the power of the Highest will **overshadow** her [[Luke 1:35]].
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō** (to take... get hold of... receive): This word is linked to the promise of the Holy Spirit, where believers will **receive** power after the Spirit has **come** upon them [[Acts 1:8]].
* `{{G3528}}` **nikáō** (to subdue... conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory): This is a direct result of `{{G1904}}` in the context of conflict, where a stronger one will come upon his opponent and **overcome** him [[Luke 11:22]].
* `{{G991}}` **blépō** (to look at... beware, take heed): This word serves as a command to be vigilant against a negative outcome, urging believers to **beware** lest a prophesied consequence **come** upon them [[Acts 13:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1904}}` is significant, highlighting key scriptural themes.
* **Divine Intervention and Empowerment:** The word is central to understanding the active work of the Holy Spirit. His coming upon believers is not a gentle presence but an empowering event that enables them to be witnesses [[Acts 1:8]] and facilitates God's miraculous purposes, such as the incarnation [[Luke 1:35]].
* **Impending Consequence:** `{{G1904}}` is frequently used to warn of unavoidable consequences, whether for the unrighteous who will face miseries [[James 5:1]] or for all who dwell on the earth during end times events [[Luke 21:35]]. This underscores the theme of accountability.
* **Spiritual and Physical Conflict:** The term illustrates the reality of opposition. It is used in a parable of spiritual warfare [[Luke 11:22]] and to describe the literal arrival of enemies who come with hostile intent [[Acts 14:19]], showing that to "come upon" can be an act of aggression.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1904}}` is a dynamic term that describes an impactful arrival. It is not merely about movement from one place to another but about an external force, person, or event supervening upon a situation with undeniable effect. Whether it signifies the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, the inescapable arrival of judgment, or a hostile attack, **epérchomai** consistently points to a moment of significant, often life-altering, change.
TRV