ἐπιβάλλω

epibállō /ep-ee-bal'-lo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐπί and βάλλω
Meaningto throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with ἑαυτοῦ implied) to reflect; impersonally, to belong to
KJV usagebeat into, cast (up-)on, fall, lay (on), put (unto), stretch forth, think on.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epibállō, represented by G1911, is a versatile term meaning to throw or cast upon, often with force. It appears 19 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is broad, encompassing literal actions like putting one object on another, figurative uses like reflecting on a thought, and hostile acts such as laying hands on someone for arrest.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1911 is used in several distinct contexts. It most frequently describes the act of seizure or arrest, as when the chief priests and scribes sought to lay hands on Jesus Luke 20:19, or when soldiers laid hands on the apostles and put them in prison Acts 5:18. The word is also used in a literal sense, such as in the parable where Jesus speaks of a man who putteth a piece of new cloth onto an old garment Matthew 9:16. In a unique instance, it describes Peter's intense reflection leading to repentance: when he thought thereon, he wept Mark 14:72.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G1911:

  • G1915 epíblēma (a patch): Derived directly from G1911, this noun refers to a piece of cloth. It appears in Jesus' parable about not putteth G1911 a piece of a new garment on an old one Luke 5:36.
  • G5495 cheír (hand): This word for hand is frequently paired with G1911 to form the idiom for arresting someone. For instance, in the garden, they laid G1911 their hands on Jesus and took him Mark 14:46.
  • G1029 bróchos (a snare): This term for a noose is used figuratively with G1911 when Paul clarifies that his teaching is not intended to cast a snare upon the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 7:35.
  • G3776 ousía (goods, substance): This word for property appears where the prodigal son asks for the portion of goods that falleth G1911 to him, demonstrating the impersonal sense of "to belong to" Luke 15:12.

Theological Significance

The conceptual weight of G1911 is significant, often marking moments of conflict or deep personal decision.

  • Initiating Persecution: The word is repeatedly used to signify the physical act that begins persecution. Herod stretched forth his hands to vex the church Acts 12:1, and authorities laid hands on the apostles to imprison them Acts 4:3.
  • Illustrating Incompatibility: Jesus uses the word in parables to show the incompatibility of the new covenant with old traditions. The act of putteth a new patch on an old garment only makes the rent worse, illustrating that His message is not a simple repair but a new creation Matthew 9:16.
  • Commitment and Reflection: The word defines both unwavering commitment and profound repentance. A true disciple is one who has put his hand to the plough and does not look back Luke 9:62. It also captures the moment Peter thought thereon and wept, a pivotal point of remorse Mark 14:72.

Summary

In summary, G1911 is far more than a simple verb of action. While its core meaning is "to cast upon," its application ranges from the literal act of placing a patch on cloth to the violent act of arresting Jesus and His followers. It powerfully illustrates key theological concepts, marking moments of hostility, demonstrating spiritual principles through parables, and conveying the depth of human commitment and repentance.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 18 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 5×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 18 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Luke (5 verses).

2
Matthew
4
Mark
5
Luke
2
John
4
Acts
1
1 Corinthians

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