from ἐπί and γίνομαι; to arrive upon, i.e. spring up (as a wind):--blow.
Transliteration:epigínomai
Pronunciation:ep-ig-in'-om-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, `{{G1920}}`) is a compound lexical unit, derived from the preposition ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon," "over," or "in addition to," and the verb γίνομαι (gínomai, `{{G1096}}`), which carries the broad sense of "to become," "to happen," or "to come into being." Etymologically, therefore, ἐπιγίνομαι conveys the fundamental idea of something "coming upon" or "happening to" a situation or individual. It implies an arrival, a supervention, or the sudden manifestation of an event or phenomenon. While its broader classical usage might encompass various forms of "coming upon," its specific semantic range within the New Testament is remarkably focused. It is exclusively employed in a meteorological context, denoting the "springing up" or "blowing" of a wind. This specialized application highlights a particular nuance of its core meaning: the unbidden, often timely, arrival of a natural force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, `{{G1920}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts, specifically at [[Acts 28:13]]. In this passage, Luke describes a crucial moment in Paul's journey to Rome, following the shipwreck on Malta: "From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind *blew* (ἐπιγίνομαι), and on the second day we came to Puteoli." The context is vital for understanding the significance of this lone occurrence. Paul and his companions are engaged in a divinely guided, yet physically arduous, voyage. Their progress, particularly by sea, is profoundly dependent on favorable weather conditions. The description of the "south wind" (νότος, notos) *blowing* (ἐπιγίνομαι) is not merely a factual observation; it signifies a pivotal and opportune change in the elements. The use of ἐπιγίνομαι here emphasizes the *arrival* or *supervening* nature of this wind; it did not merely exist or continue to blow, but it "came upon" them, appearing precisely when needed to facilitate their swift and direct passage to Puteoli. This singular instance underscores the word's precise descriptive power, denoting a specific, timely natural event.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a compound verb, ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, `{{G1920}}`) is inherently linked to its constituent parts. Its root, γίνομαι (gínomai, `{{G1096}}`), is one of the most frequently occurring verbs in the New Testament, encompassing a vast semantic field related to "becoming," "happening," "being born," or "coming into existence." The prefix ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`) adds a crucial directional or supervening nuance, indicating something that comes "upon" or "in addition to" a pre-existing state or situation. In the specific context of wind, other related Greek terms include ἄνεμος (ánemos, `{{G417}}`), the general noun for "wind," and πνέω (pnéō, `{{G4154}}`), the verb meaning "to blow." While πνέω describes the action of the wind, ἐπιγίνομαι distinctively highlights the *arrival* or *emergence* of the wind. Furthermore, the broader biblical concept of divine providence guiding human endeavors, particularly journeys and missions, is closely related. This theme is often illustrated through God's sovereign control over natural elements, as seen in numerous narratives involving sea travel and miraculous interventions.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary appearance and seemingly neutral descriptive function, the theological significance of ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, `{{G1920}}`) is profound when viewed within the larger narrative of divine providence. In [[Acts 28:13]], the "south wind" that *blew* (ἐπιγίνομαι) is not presented as a mere coincidence or an arbitrary meteorological event. Rather, it is implicitly understood as a providential intervention. Following a period of hardship, including a shipwreck and various delays, the timely *arrival* of this favorable wind directly enables Paul to continue his divinely appointed mission to Rome. This singular usage of the verb subtly but powerfully reinforces a central theological theme woven throughout the book of Acts: God's sovereign hand actively guiding, protecting, and empowering His servants, even through the seemingly mundane occurrences of the natural world. The "blowing" of the wind is thus perceived not as a random act of nature, but as an instrument in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It stands as a quiet yet potent testament to God's meticulous care and His ultimate control over all creation to accomplish His purposes.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπιγίνομαι (epigínomai, `{{G1920}}`), a compound of ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`) and γίνομαι (gínomai, `{{G1096}}`), fundamentally means "to come upon" or "to happen upon." In its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 28:13]], its semantic scope is precisely narrowed to describe the opportune "blowing" or "springing up" of a wind. This specific usage underscores the *arrival* of a natural force, which, within the narrative of Paul's voyage, is depicted as a divinely orchestrated event facilitating the progress of his mission. Though a rare word, its presence subtly yet significantly highlights the theological concept of God's sovereign control over creation, demonstrating how He guides and sustains His purposes through seemingly ordinary, yet divinely timed, natural phenomena.
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