ἐπίκειμαι

epíkeimai /ep-ik'-i-mahee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐπί and κεῖμαι
Meaningto rest upon (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageimpose, be instant, (be) laid (there-, up-)on, (when) lay (on), lie (on), press upon.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epíkeimai, represented by G1945, means to rest upon, either literally or figuratively. It is formed from the words G1909 epí (upon) and G2749 keîmai (to lie). Occurring 7 times in 7 unique verses, its usage ranges from describing a physical object being laid on something to a figurative pressure or obligation being imposed.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its literal sense, G1945 is used to describe a stone that lay upon Jesus' grave John 11:38 and fish laid upon a fire of coals John 21:9. The word also depicts a more intense physical pressure, as when a crowd pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God Luke 5:1 or when a tempest lay on a ship Acts 27:20. Figuratively, it is used to describe the urgency of a crowd that was instant with loud voices, demanding that Jesus be crucified Luke 23:23. It also conveys the weight of an obligation, as when Paul states that "necessity is laid upon me" to preach the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G1945:

  • G1909 epí (upon): This is a primary preposition meaning superimposition, or to be over or upon something. It is a foundational component of G1945 and is used to describe the Holy Ghost coming upon believers Acts 1:8.
  • G2749 keîmai (to lie outstretched): This word forms the other half of G1945 and refers to the state of lying down or being set in place. It is used to describe the foundation of Jesus Christ which is laid 1 Corinthians 3:11.
  • G318 anánkē (necessity): This term, meaning constraint or distress, is the abstract concept that is laid upon Paul, compelling him to preach the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:16.

Theological Significance

The word G1945 carries significant conceptual weight in its various applications:

  • Imposition of Law: It describes the "carnal ordinances" of the Old Covenant, which were imposed on the people until the "time of reformation" Hebrews 9:10. This highlights the external and burdensome nature of the regulations.
  • Divine Compulsion: Paul uses the word to express the profound sense of duty he feels. For him, preaching the gospel is not a choice but a "necessity is laid upon me" 1 Corinthians 9:16, indicating a divine and inescapable calling.
  • Physical and Social Pressure: The word captures the intensity of a situation, such as a relentless tempest that lay on a ship, leading to hopelessness Acts 27:20, or a crowd that pressed upon Jesus with great desire Luke 5:1.
  • Urgent Demand: It is used to describe the forceful insistence of the crowd and chief priests who were instant in their demand for Jesus' crucifixion, showing a pressure that ultimately prevailed Luke 23:23.

Summary

In summary, G1945 epíkeimai is a versatile word that conveys the idea of something resting upon an object or person with weight and consequence. Whether it is a literal stone on a tomb, a crowd pressing in, a tempest bearing down, or the abstract burden of religious law or divine necessity, the word consistently implies a significant and unavoidable pressure. It effectively communicates states of obligation, urgency, and being subjected to an external force.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 7 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Infinitive 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Neuter 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
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".
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
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 7 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Luke (2 verses).

2
Luke
2
John
1
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
Hebrews

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