### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιδίδωμι (transliterated as *epidídōmi*, `{{G1929}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (upon, to, in addition) and the verb δίδωμι (to give, `{{G1325}}`). This etymological construction points to a core meaning of "to give over," "to hand over," or "to deliver." The prefix ἐπί adds a nuance of directionality, completion, or emphasis to the act of giving.
The semantic range of ἐπιδίδωμι encompasses several specific applications:
1. **Physical Delivery:** The most straightforward sense, implying the direct transfer of an object from one hand to another.
2. **Surrender or Yielding:** To give way to, or to allow oneself or something to be driven by external forces.
3. **Presenting or Offering:** To make something available or to offer it to someone.
4. **Granting or Permitting:** To allow an action or outcome, as in "letting" something happen.
5. **Entrustment or Committal:** Though less frequent, it can imply the act of committing something into another's charge for a specific purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιδίδωμι appears in the New Testament in several distinct contexts, illustrating its semantic breadth:
* **Benevolent Provision:** In [[Luke 11:11-12]], Jesus uses ἐπιδίδωμι in an analogy concerning a father's good gifts to his children. He asks, "If a son asks for a fish, will he ἐπιδώσει (give) him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he ἐπιδώσει (give) him a scorpion?" Here, the verb signifies the act of giving a specific, beneficial item in response to a request, highlighting the qualitative nature of the gift.
* **Official Delivery:** [[Acts 15:30]] describes the apostles and elders in Jerusalem sending a letter to the Gentile believers in Antioch. It states, "So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they ἐπιδόντες (delivered) the letter." This usage denotes the formal and authoritative transfer of a document.
* **Yielding to External Forces:** In [[Acts 27:17]], during a violent storm at sea, the sailors on Paul's ship "having lowered the gear, so they were ἐφέροντο (driven/let her drive)." While the form here is passive, the underlying sense of ἐπιδίδωμι (as derived from the Strong's definition "let (+ (her drive))") indicates the ship being "given over" or "surrendered" to the overwhelming power of the wind and waves. It signifies a loss of control and yielding to external forces.
* **Protection and Rescue:** [[Acts 27:43]] recounts the centurion's intervention to save Paul and other prisoners from being killed by the soldiers. The centurion, "wishing to save Paul, prevented them, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first and get to land." Though not directly translated as "deliver" in all versions, the Strong's definition links this to "deliver unto." The centurion effectively "delivered" Paul from the soldiers' murderous intent by preventing their action, thus granting him safety.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐπιδίδωμι is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek words, especially those derived from the base δίδωμι (to give, `{{G1325}}`):
* **δίδωμι `{{G1325}}`**: The foundational verb "to give." ἐπιδίδωμι is a more specific and directional form, emphasizing the act of handing something over or delivering it to a particular recipient or situation.
* **παραδίδωμι `{{G3860}}`**: "To hand over," "to betray," "to entrust." While similar in meaning to ἐπιδίδωμι in terms of handing over, παραδίδωμι often carries the connotation of betrayal (e.g., Jesus being handed over) or a formal entrustment. ἐπιδίδωμι generally lacks the negative nuance of betrayal.
* **ἀποδίδωμι `{{G591}}`**: "To give back," "to repay," "to render." This verb implies a return or payment of something due.
* **προδίδωμι `{{G4272}}`**: "To give beforehand," "to betray."
* **δόσις `{{G1394}}`**: A noun meaning "a giving" or "a gift."
* **δῶρον `{{G1435}}`**: A noun meaning "a gift" or "a present."
These related terms highlight the varied nuances of "giving" in the New Testament, with ἐπιδίδωμι consistently pointing to a definitive, often purposeful, transfer or surrender.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ἐπιδίδωμι provide significant theological insights:
* **Divine Benevolence and Provision:** In [[Luke 11:11-12]], the use of ἐπιδίδωμι underscores the character of God as a benevolent Father who gives good gifts, specifically the Holy Spirit, to those who ask. This passage assures believers of God's perfect and loving provision, contrasting His giving with imperfect human giving. It speaks to the reliability and goodness of God's character.
* **Order and Authority in the Early Church:** The "delivery" of the apostolic letter in [[Acts 15:30]] signifies the importance of authoritative communication and the orderly transmission of truth within the nascent Christian community. It reflects the structured way in which divine revelation and guidance were conveyed and received.
* **Sovereignty Amidst Adversity:** The ship being "given over" to the storm in [[Acts 27:17]] can be seen as a metaphor for human helplessness in the face of overwhelming natural forces. Yet, within the broader narrative of Acts, even such yielding is situated within God's sovereign plan for Paul's journey to Rome. It illustrates that even when circumstances seem to dictate surrender, God's purposes remain inviolable.
* **Providential Protection:** The centurion's act of "delivering" Paul from the soldiers' intent in [[Acts 27:43]] powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His servants. It shows how God can use unexpected human agents to intervene and protect His chosen instruments, even in moments of extreme peril, ensuring His will is accomplished.
Thus, ἐπιδίδωμι often highlights a directed and purposeful act of giving or transferring, whether by God or by humans, frequently with profound implications for the unfolding of God's plan and the well-being of His people.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπιδίδωμι (`{{G1929}}`) fundamentally means "to give over," "to hand over," or "to deliver." Its usage in the New Testament reveals a versatile semantic range, encompassing benevolent provision (as seen in a father's giving in [[Luke 11:11-12]]), formal communication (the delivery of a letter in [[Acts 15:30]]), yielding to overwhelming forces (the ship being driven by the wind in [[Acts 27:17]]), and protective rescue (the centurion saving Paul in [[Acts 27:43]]). Theologically, ἐπιδίδωμι illuminates God's good and reliable provision, the orderliness of early church communication, the reality of human yielding within divine sovereignty, and God's providential care for His people. It is a verb that consistently denotes a definitive and often purposeful transfer or surrender, reflecting significant actions within the biblical narrative.
TRV