from ἐπί and βάλλω; to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with ἑαυτοῦ implied) to reflect; impersonally, to belong to:--beat into, cast (up-)on, fall, lay (on), put (unto), stretch forth, think on.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἐπιβάλλω (epibállō, `{{G1911}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon," "over," or "to," and the verb βάλλω (ballō, `{{G906}}`), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." The literal and foundational meaning is "to throw upon," "to cast upon," or "to lay upon." This action often implies a degree of force, intention, or direct application.
The semantic range of ἐπιβάλλω extends beyond the purely physical:
* **Literal Application:** To physically throw, cast, or lay something onto another object or person (e.g., waves casting upon a boat, laying hands on someone).
* **Figurative Application/Imposition:** To apply or impose something, such as a patch on a garment.
* **Reflexive/Internal Action:** When used reflexively (often with ἑαυτοῦ implied, "oneself"), it signifies "to cast one's mind upon," hence "to reflect," "to think on," or "to consider deeply." This usage often denotes a forceful or impactful realization.
* **Impersonal/Possessive:** Used impersonally, it can mean "to fall to one's lot," "to belong to," or "to be due to" someone, indicating a share, right, or responsibility.
The nuance of "more or less force" in its base definition is crucial, as it can describe anything from a gentle placement to a violent imposition or an overwhelming thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπιβάλλω appears in the New Testament with various shades of its meaning:
* **Physical Imposition/Casting:**
* In [[Mark 4:37]], during the storm on the Sea of Galilee, "the waves were beating into the boat" (τὰ κύματα ἐπέβαλλεν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον). Here, ἐπιβάλλω vividly describes the forceful impact of the waves upon the vessel.
* [[Luke 5:36]] uses it in the context of Jesus' parable about new and old garments: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment" (ἐπιβάλλει ἐπὶ ἱμάτιον παλαιόν). This signifies the act of applying or attaching something new to something old.
* [[John 21:7]] describes Peter's impulsive action: "Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea" (ἐπέβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν). This is a clear reflexive use, indicating Peter casting himself into the water.
* In [[Acts 4:3]], concerning the apostles, "they laid hands on them and put them in custody." (ἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας). Similarly, [[Acts 12:1]] states, "Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church" (ἐπέβαλεν τὰς χεῖρας). In these instances, "laying hands" signifies arrest, seizure, or the exercise of authority/force.
* **Internal Reflection/Impact:**
* Perhaps one of the most poignant uses is in [[Mark 14:72]], describing Peter's reaction after denying Jesus: "And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.' And he broke down and wept." The phrase "called to mind" translates ἐπιβαλὼν ἔκλαιεν. While often rendered as "he broke down and wept," the literal sense is "having cast his mind upon it, he wept." This implies the thought of Jesus' words forcefully "fell upon" or "struck" Peter's consciousness, leading to profound sorrow and repentance.
* **Impersonal Possession/Belonging:**
* In [[Luke 15:12]], in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son demands, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me" (τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας). Here, τὸ ἐπιβάλλον (the neuter participle) means "that which belongs to me," "that which is due to me," or "that which falls to my lot." It denotes a rightful portion or inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **βάλλω (ballō, `{{G906}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to throw, cast, put." ἐπιβάλλω specifies the direction or target of the action ("upon").
* **ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`):** The prepositional prefix that defines the "upon" or "to" aspect, crucial for understanding the directed nature of the action.
* **Other Compound Verbs with βάλλω:** The New Testament features several verbs compounded with βάλλω, each with a distinct nuance of direction or intensity:
* ἀποβάλλω (apoballō, `{{G657}}`): "to throw away."
* διαβάλλω (diaballō, `{{G1225}}`): "to throw across," hence "to slander."
* καταβάλλω (kataballō, `{{G2598}}`): "to throw down, cast down."
* περιβάλλω (periballō, `{{G4016}}`): "to throw around," hence "to clothe."
* **Semantic Fields:** The word operates in semantic fields related to physical action (casting, laying), legal/familial rights (inheritance, belonging), and internal psychological processes (reflection, conviction).
### Theological Significance
The various uses of ἐπιβάλλω offer several points of theological reflection:
* **Divine Order and Human Responsibility:** In [[Luke 15:12]], the concept of "what belongs to" highlights the natural order of inheritance and the human desire for what is perceived as one's due. The prodigal son's demand for his share, while legally permissible, signifies a breaking of relational bonds and a desire for premature independence, which ultimately leads to ruin. This underscores themes of stewardship, entitlement, and the consequences of rejecting the established order.
* **The Power of Truth and Repentance:** The profound use in [[Mark 14:72]] concerning Peter's weeping is highly significant. It illustrates the forceful and overwhelming impact of divine truth and prophetic word upon the human conscience. The memory of Jesus' words "falling upon" Peter's mind was not a gentle thought but a powerful, convicting realization that led to deep sorrow and, implicitly, the beginning of his journey back to restoration. This highlights the Holy Spirit's work in bringing conviction and leading to repentance.
* **Authority and Persecution:** The "laying on of hands" in [[Acts 4:3]] and [[Acts 12:1]] demonstrates the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. It signifies the imposition of human authority, often unjustly, upon God's servants. This reminds believers that suffering for the Gospel is a historical reality and often involves physical restraint or abuse.
* **The Forces of Nature and God's Sovereignty:** The image of waves "beating into" the boat in [[Mark 4:37]] reminds us of the raw power of creation. Yet, in the narrative, this force is ultimately subservient to Christ's command, demonstrating His divine authority over all things, natural and spiritual.
### Summary
ἐπιβάλλω (epibállō, `{{G1911}}`) is a dynamic Greek verb whose core meaning is "to throw upon" or "to cast upon," derived from ἐπί ("upon") and βάλλω ("to throw"). Its usage in the New Testament is remarkably versatile, encompassing literal physical actions such as waves "beating into" a boat ([[Mark 4:37]]) or individuals "laying hands on" others for arrest ([[Acts 4:3]]). Beyond the concrete, it extends to the impersonal sense of "what belongs to" or "falls to one's lot," as seen in the prodigal son's inheritance ([[Luke 15:12]]). Most significantly, ἐπιβάλλω conveys the powerful internal experience of "reflecting" or "thinking on" something with profound impact, exemplified by Peter's overwhelming sorrow when Jesus' words "fell upon" his mind ([[Mark 14:72]]). This range highlights the word's capacity to describe not only external imposition and physical force but also the deep, transformative influence of truth and memory on the human heart, underscoring its rich contribution to biblical narrative and theological insight.
TRV