ἐπιλαμβάνομαι

epilambánomai /ep-ee-lam-ban'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from ἐπί and λαμβάνω; to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
KJV usagecatch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epilambánomai, represented by G1949, means to seize, catch, or lay hold upon. It appears 20 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. The term is versatile, describing actions taken for help, for injury, or for the purpose of spiritual attainment. Its meaning ranges from a literal, physical grasp to a figurative, determined pursuit.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, G1949 is used to convey a variety of intentions. It depicts divine rescue, as when Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught a doubting Peter from sinking into the water Matthew 14:31. It can also show human support, such as when Barnabas took Saul and brought him to the apostles, vouching for his conversion Acts 9:27. Conversely, it describes hostile actions, such as when an angry mob took Paul and drew him out of the temple Acts 21:30 or when spies tried to take hold of Jesus' words to entrap him Luke 20:20. The word is also used to describe Christ's incarnation, stating that he took on him the seed of Abraham Hebrews 2:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and purpose of the action of seizing:

  • G5495 cheír (the hand): This word is often paired with G1949 to specify the means of seizing. It highlights direct physical contact, whether for help, as when Jesus took a blind man by the hand to heal him Mark 8:23, or for guidance, as when God took Israel by the hand to lead them out of Egypt Hebrews 8:9.
  • G1670 helkýō (to drag): This term can follow G1949 to describe the forceful action that comes after a hostile seizure. For example, after Paul and Silas were caught, they were then drew them into the marketplace Acts 16:19.
  • G1806 exágō (to lead forth): In contrast to a forceful dragging, this word often denotes a purpose of deliverance or guidance. God took Israel by the hand specifically to lead them out of Egypt Hebrews 8:9, showing a benevolent intention behind the act of taking hold.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1949 is significant, highlighting key spiritual concepts.

  • Spiritual Attainment: The command to "lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Timothy 6:19) frames the Christian walk as an active pursuit. It is connected to fighting the good G2570 fight of faith G4102, portraying eternal life G2222 as a prize to be intentionally seized.
  • Divine Intervention: The term powerfully illustrates God's direct intervention. Jesus catching Peter is a picture of his readiness to save those with wavering faith Matthew 14:31. Similarly, Barnabas took him Acts 9:27 and acted as an agent of the church to bring a new believer into the community.
  • Incarnational Identification: A profound theological truth is conveyed when Hebrews states that Christ took on him the seed of Abraham, not the nature of angels Hebrews 2:16. This deliberate act of "taking on" humanity is central to his ability to serve as a redeemer.

Summary

In summary, G1949 is a dynamic verb that moves beyond a simple physical grasp. It captures a wide spectrum of actions, from a hostile seizure Acts 18:17 and a gentle, healing touch Luke 14:4 to a life-saving rescue Matthew 14:31. Theologically, it defines the believer's active responsibility to lay hold on eternal life 1 Timothy 6:12 and, most importantly, articulates the foundational truth that Christ took on human nature in order to bring about salvation Hebrews 2:16.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 5×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 5×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Subjunctive 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
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 18 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Acts (7 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
5
Luke
7
Acts
2
1 Timothy
2
Hebrews

Verse Explorer

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