from ἐπί and ἔχω; to hold upon, i.e. (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of νοῦς) to pay attention to:--give (take) heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπέχω (epéchō, `{{G1907}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí, "upon," "to," "towards") and the verb ἔχω (echō, "to have," "to hold," `{{G2192}}`). The literal sense is "to hold upon" or "to hold towards." From this foundational meaning, a rich semantic range develops:
1. **To Hold Upon/Retain/Detain:** This primary physical sense implies stopping, holding back, or causing to remain. It can refer to a physical detention or a deliberate staying in a place.
2. **To Hold the Mind Upon/Pay Attention To:** When ἐπέχω is used with an implied object of "mind" (νοῦς), it signifies giving close attention, heeding, marking, or observing carefully. This denotes a focused mental engagement.
3. **To Hold Forth/Present:** This extended meaning implies holding something out or up for others to see, receive, or grasp. It suggests a public display or offering.
The various English translations (e.g., "give heed unto," "hold forth," "mark," "stay") reflect this diverse semantic field, all rooted in the core concept of "holding" in a particular manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπέχω appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a facet of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 14:7]]**: "And he marked how they chose out the chief rooms." Here, ἐπέχω (rendered "marked") describes Jesus' careful observation of the guests' behavior at a feast. It implies a deliberate and discerning attention to their actions, leading to His subsequent parable about humility.
* **[[Acts 3:5]]**: "And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them." In this account of Peter and John healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, ἐπέχω (rendered "gave heed") describes the lame man's focused attention on the apostles, driven by expectation. It signifies an earnest and anticipatory listening.
* **[[Acts 19:22]]**: "So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season." Here, ἐπέχω (rendered "stayed") conveys the sense of Paul remaining or being detained in Asia for a period. This is the "retain" or "detain" meaning, indicating a halt in movement or a decision to reside.
* **[[Philippians 2:16]]**: "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." This is perhaps the most theologically significant use. ἐπέχω (rendered "holding forth") depicts believers as actively presenting or offering the "word of life" to the world. It suggests holding it up like a beacon or a torch, making it visible and accessible to others. This is not merely possessing the word but publicly displaying and proclaiming it.
* **[[1 Timothy 4:16]]**: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." Paul exhorts Timothy to ἐπέχω (rendered "take heed") to his personal conduct and to sound doctrine. This use emphasizes diligent attention, careful self-examination, and faithful adherence to truth, crucial for effective ministry and personal salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐπέχω resonates with several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἔχω `{{G2192}}`**: The root verb, "to have" or "to hold." ἐπέχω adds the directional or intensive nuance of "upon" or "towards."
* **προσέχω `{{G4337}}`**: "To give heed to," "to pay attention." This verb often carries a sense of applying oneself to something, similar to ἐπέχω in its "pay attention" meaning, but ἐπέχω can imply a more sustained or watchful observation.
* **ἀτενίζω `{{G816}}`**: "To fix one's eyes upon," "to gaze intently." While ἐπέχω can involve visual attention, ἀτενίζω specifically denotes an unwavering stare.
* **φωστήρ `{{G5458}}`**: "Light," "luminary." In [[Philippians 2:15]], believers are called to shine as "lights in the world," immediately preceding the command to ἐπέχω the word of life. This connection highlights the public, illuminating aspect of holding forth the Gospel.
* **Concepts**:
* **Discernment**: The careful observation and understanding required in [[Luke 14:7]] and [[1 Timothy 4:16]].
* **Attentiveness**: The focused listening and mental engagement seen in [[Acts 3:5]] and [[1 Timothy 4:16]].
* **Proclamation/Witness**: The active presentation of the Gospel as a light in [[Philippians 2:16]].
* **Steadfastness/Perseverance**: Implied in the "staying" sense of [[Acts 19:22]] and the "continuing" in [[1 Timothy 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological import of ἐπέχω is multifaceted, touching upon Christian conduct, ministry, and witness:
1. **Diligence in Truth and Life**: The command to "take heed" in [[1 Timothy 4:16]] is a cornerstone for spiritual growth and ministerial integrity. It underscores the necessity of constant self-examination and unwavering adherence to sound doctrine. This diligent attention is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, personal commitment to living out the truth. For Timothy, and by extension all believers and ministers, this dual focus on personal piety and doctrinal fidelity is essential for both individual salvation and the salvation of others.
2. **The Church as a Beacon of the Gospel**: The powerful imagery in [[Philippians 2:16]] of "holding forth the word of life" portrays the church not as a passive recipient of truth, but as an active, visible displayer of the Gospel. Just as a lighthouse holds forth its light, believers are to make the life-giving message of Christ evident in a dark world. This implies that the Christian life, lived in obedience and marked by unity (as per the surrounding context in Philippians), becomes a tangible demonstration of the Word, drawing others to its light. This is a call to both verbal proclamation and consistent, Christ-like living.
3. **Intentional Engagement**: Whether observing human behavior, listening for divine instruction, or discerning spiritual truths, ἐπέχω consistently points to an intentional, focused engagement. This active posture is vital for spiritual maturity, enabling believers to rightly interpret circumstances, receive God's revelation, and navigate the challenges of faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπέχω (epéchō, `{{G1907}}`) is a dynamic term derived from "to hold upon," encompassing the meanings "to detain or remain," "to pay close attention to," and "to hold forth or present." Its New Testament occurrences reveal its profound significance: it describes Jesus' discerning observation, the expectant attention of one seeking healing, Paul's strategic decision to remain in a region, and critically, the believer's call to diligently attend to personal conduct and doctrine, and to actively "hold forth" the life-giving Word of God to a watching world. In its varied uses, ἐπέχω consistently emphasizes intentionality, whether in observation, retention, or proclamation, underscoring the active and responsible engagement required of those who follow Christ.
TRV