middle voice from ἐπί and λαμβάνω; to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively):--catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on).
Transliteration:epilambánomai
Pronunciation:ep-ee-lam-ban'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1949 (epilambánomai) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "on") and the verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, meaning "to take" or "to grasp"). Crucially, it is used in the middle voice, which indicates that the action is performed by the subject for their own benefit, concern, or interest.
The core meaning, therefore, is "to take hold of," "to seize," or "to grasp firmly." The semantic range is quite broad and context-dependent, encompassing:
* **Physical Grasp:** To lay hands on someone or something, often with a specific intent such as helping, arresting, restraining, or attacking. This can be a gentle touch or a forceful seizure.
* **Intellectual/Spiritual Grasp:** To apprehend, comprehend, or embrace a truth, teaching, or spiritual reality. This implies a decisive appropriation.
* **Taking an Opportunity/Attainment:** To seize an opportunity, to attain or secure something valuable.
* **Rescue/Assistance:** To take hold of someone to provide aid or rescue them from danger.
The middle voice emphasizes the subject's personal involvement and the direct effect of the action upon them or for their purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1949 appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Assistance/Rescue:** In [[Matthew 14:31]], when Peter begins to sink while walking on water, Jesus immediately ἐπιλαβόμενος (epilabomenos, "taking hold") of him, rescues him. This highlights Jesus' immediate and tangible intervention. Similarly, in [[Mark 8:23]], Jesus ἐπιλαβόμενος of the blind man's hand leads him out of the village, an act of compassionate guidance prior to healing.
* **Hostile Seizure/Arrest:** The term is used to describe a forceful apprehension. In [[Acts 21:30]], the crowd in Jerusalem ἐπελάβοντο (epelabonto, "seized") Paul in a hostile manner, intending to kill him. This usage denotes a forceful, often violent, taking into custody or restraint, as also implied in [[Mark 14:51]] where a young man following Jesus is συνεπιλάβοντο (synepilabonto, "seized") by those arresting Jesus.
* **Spiritual Appropriation/Attainment:** A profound theological usage appears in Paul's letters to Timothy. In [[1 Timothy 6:12]], believers are exhorted to ἐπιλαβοῦ (epilabou, "take hold") of eternal life, to which they were called. This is not a passive reception but an active, decisive, and enduring appropriation of spiritual reality. The same concept is reiterated in [[1 Timothy 6:19]], where believers are encouraged to store up good deeds as a foundation, so that they may ἐπιλάβωνται (epilabontai, "take hold") of "that which is truly life." This speaks to a commitment to living out one's faith in a way that secures ultimate spiritual reality.
* **Divine Identification/Help:** Perhaps one of the most significant occurrences is in [[Hebrews 2:16]]: "For assuredly He does not ἐπιλαμβάνεται (epilambanetai, "take hold") of angels, but He does ἐπιλαμβάνεται of the seed of Abraham." This verse is pivotal for understanding the Incarnation. It asserts that Christ's redemptive work was specifically for humanity (the "seed of Abraham"), not for fallen angels. The middle voice here underscores Christ's deliberate and compassionate choice to identify with and provide help to humanity, taking hold of our nature to save us.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G1949 is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* λαμβάνω `{{G2983}}`: The base verb, meaning "to take," "to receive," or "to grasp." ἐπιλαμβάνομαι signifies a more purposeful, often firmer, or decisive taking hold, frequently with a specific aim.
* κρατέω `{{G2902}}`: To grasp, hold fast, seize, or rule. While κρατέω can overlap in meaning of "holding on," it often carries connotations of power, control, or maintaining possession. ἐπιλαμβάνομαι more strongly emphasizes the initial act of seizing or taking hold.
* συνλαμβάνω `{{G4887}}`: To seize, arrest, or help in work. This compound also denotes a taking, often with others.
* ἁρπάζω `{{G726}}`: To snatch away, seize by force. This term implies a more violent, sudden, and often illegitimate seizure. ἐπιλαμβάνομαι can be forceful, but not necessarily violent or illegitimate.
The concept of "taking hold" is central to both divine action (God's initiative in salvation and rescue) and human response (faith, commitment, and spiritual pursuit).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1949 is profound, revealing aspects of both divine grace and human responsibility:
* **Christ's Redemptive Identification:** The usage in [[Hebrews 2:16]] is foundational to Christology and soteriology. It underscores the particularity and intentionality of God's redemptive plan. Christ did not merely observe humanity; He actively "took hold" of human nature, becoming fully human, to accomplish salvation. This is a deliberate, compassionate, and efficacious act of divine solidarity, demonstrating that salvation is for humanity, not for angels. It speaks to the depth of God's commitment to His covenant people.
* **Divine Intervention and Care:** Instances where Jesus "takes hold" of individuals ([[Matthew 14:31]], [[Mark 8:23]]) illustrate His immediate, personal, and powerful intervention in human crises and needs. It signifies a tangible expression of divine care and authority.
* **Human Active Faith and Commitment:** The exhortation to "take hold of eternal life" in [[1 Timothy 6:12]] and [[1 Timothy 6:19]] emphasizes the active, volitional aspect of the believer's response to God's call. Eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality to be grasped and lived out. This "taking hold" implies a decisive commitment, perseverance, and a firm embrace of the truth of the Gospel. It challenges believers to actively appropriate the blessings and responsibilities of their salvation.
* **The Nature of Salvation as Both Gift and Pursuit:** The dual application of G1949—God taking hold of humanity for salvation, and humanity taking hold of eternal life—beautifully illustrates the synergistic nature of salvation. It is a sovereign act of God's grace (Christ taking hold of Abraham's seed) that demands an active, faithful response from humanity (taking hold of eternal life).
### Summary
The Greek verb G1949 (epilambánomai) signifies a purposeful, often decisive, act of seizing, taking hold, or grasping firmly. Its etymology (from ἐπί and λαμβάνω in the middle voice) underscores an action performed by the subject for their own benefit or concern.
Biblical occurrences reveal a rich semantic range: from physical acts of rescue and assistance (Jesus taking Peter's hand in [[Matthew 14:31]]) or hostile apprehension (crowd seizing Paul in [[Acts 21:30]]), to profound spiritual appropriations. The most significant theological uses highlight both divine initiative and human responsibility. In [[Hebrews 2:16]], it describes Christ's deliberate act of "taking hold" of humanity for salvation, demonstrating His specific redemptive focus. Conversely, in [[1 Timothy 6:12]] and [[1 Timothy 6:19]], it exhorts believers to actively "take hold" of eternal life, emphasizing a decisive and ongoing commitment to their faith.
Thus, G1949 encapsulates the dynamic interplay between God's active grace in securing salvation for humanity and the believer's active faith in appropriating that salvation and living out its implications. It speaks to a divine embrace that calls for a human embrace in return.
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