### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb epibibázō (`{{G1913}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition epí (ἐπί), meaning "upon" or "on," and a reduplicated form related to the root of básis (βάσις), which signifies "a stepping" or "a foot." It is also compared to anabibázō (ἀναβιβάζω), "to cause to go up." The core meaning of epibibázō is causative: "to cause to mount," "to set upon," or "to place someone or something on an animal" for the purpose of conveyance. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the action of assisting someone onto a beast of burden or transport, implying that the one being placed is either unable to mount themselves or is being actively helped by another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb epibibázō (`{{G1913}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within the Gospel of Luke, and each instance carries significant contextual weight.
* **[[Luke 10:34]]**: In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the compassionate Samaritan, after binding the injured man's wounds, "set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him." Here, the act of epibibázō underscores the Samaritan's profound and practical compassion. The injured man was clearly in no condition to mount an animal himself, and the Samaritan's action of carefully placing him on his own beast highlights his self-sacrificial care. This is not merely an act of transportation but an extension of mercy and personal involvement, demonstrating the costly nature of true neighborly love.
* **[[Luke 19:35]]**: Describing Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the text states, "And they brought him to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it." This occurrence of epibibázō depicts the disciples' active role in facilitating a pivotal moment in salvation history. By physically placing Jesus on the colt, they participate in the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the humble King entering Jerusalem ([[Zechariah 9:9]]). Their action signifies their service and devotion, enabling Jesus to fulfill His messianic role in a manner consistent with His nature as the Prince of Peace, not a conquering warrior on a warhorse.
In both contexts, the verb denotes an active, deliberate assistance rendered to another, facilitating their movement or journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of epibibázō (`{{G1913}}`) connect it to several related concepts:
* **epí (ἐπί):** The prefix "upon" or "on" clearly indicates the direction and placement inherent in the verb's meaning.
* **básis (βάσις):** The root meaning "a stepping" or "a foot" links epibibázō to the broader concept of locomotion and movement, specifically involving one's feet or a means of transport.
* **bainō (βαίνω):** This is the more general verb "to go," "to walk," or "to step." Epibibázō is a causative derivative, meaning "to cause to go by mounting."
* **anabibázō (ἀναβιβάζω):** While structurally similar, this verb carries the prefix aná (ἀνά), meaning "up" or "again," and typically refers to causing something to go up, such as pulling a net out of the sea (e.g., [[Matthew 13:48]]). Epibibázō is more specific to placing *on* something.
* **Compassion and Service:** The biblical contexts in Luke strongly associate the physical act of epibibázō with the ethical and theological concepts of active compassion, care for the vulnerable, and humble service in the divine plan.
### Theological Significance
While epibibázō (`{{G1913}}`) is a straightforward verb describing a physical action, its limited yet prominent occurrences in Luke imbue it with significant theological resonance. It transcends a mere description of movement to become a powerful symbol of divine and human action.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the act of "setting him on his own animal" is not merely logistical; it is a profound demonstration of practical, self-sacrificial love that defines true neighborliness. It illustrates the call to active intervention and costly care for those in need, embodying the very essence of the kingdom ethic. This action signifies a love that moves beyond sentiment to tangible, burdensome assistance, representing the heart of God's mercy.
In the Triumphal Entry, the disciples' action of "setting Jesus on" the colt is an act of humble service that facilitates the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes. It highlights Jesus' deliberate entry into Jerusalem as the promised Messiah, not with worldly might, but with humility and peace, fulfilling ancient prophecies. The disciples' participation, though a simple physical act, becomes a sacred enabling of a key moment in salvation history, pointing to the submission and service required of those who follow Christ.
Thus, epibibázō becomes a verb that underscores active assistance and enablement, whether driven by compassionate love for humanity or by devout service to the unfolding will of God. It speaks to the practical, embodied nature of faith and discipleship.
### Summary
The Greek verb epibibázō (`{{G1913}}`) precisely means "to cause to mount" or "to set upon," specifically referring to placing someone on an animal for travel. Derived from epí ("upon") and a root related to "stepping," it emphasizes the act of assisting another onto a conveyance. Though infrequent in the New Testament, its two occurrences in Luke are highly significant. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:34]]), the Samaritan's act of "setting" the injured man "on his own animal" exemplifies profound, practical compassion and self-sacrificial love. In the account of the Triumphal Entry ([[Luke 19:35]]), the disciples "setting Jesus on" the colt signifies their humble service in facilitating Jesus' prophetic and peaceful entry as King. Therefore, epibibázō is more than a simple verb of motion; it encapsulates active assistance, embodying both the costly love required of believers and the devoted service rendered in the advancement of God's redemptive plan.
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