from ἐπί and λείπω; to leave upon, i.e. (figuratively) to be insufficient for:--fail.
Transliteration:epileípō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-li'-po
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1952 (ἐπιλείπω, *epileípō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (*epí*), meaning "upon," "over," or "in addition to," and the verb λείπω (*leípō*) `{{G3007}}`, meaning "to leave," "to leave behind," or "to lack." Etymologically, it conveys the idea of "to leave upon" or "to be left behind upon." Figuratively, and as it is primarily used in the New Testament, it signifies "to be insufficient for," "to fail," or "to run short of" something. The core semantic range thus revolves around the concept of deficiency, cessation due to lack, or the inability to complete something because a necessary resource (such as time or supply) has been exhausted. It implies a state where something is wanting or falls short of what is required.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1952 appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **Hebrews 11:32**: "And what more shall I say? For time would *fail* me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets," [[Hebrews 11:32]]
In this pivotal verse, the author of Hebrews, having just recounted a lengthy list of Old Testament heroes of faith, expresses a rhetorical limitation. The phrase "time would fail me" (ἐπιλείψει με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος, *epileípsei me diēgoúmenon ho chrónos*) indicates that the allotted time for his discourse would be insufficient to enumerate all the faithful deeds and individuals. It is not that the author lacks knowledge or ability to speak, but rather that the temporal constraint would cause his recounting to fall short. This usage perfectly aligns with the core meaning of "to be insufficient" or "to run short," emphasizing the vastness of the examples of faith that could be cited, so extensive that human time is inadequate to fully catalog them. The context is the "hall of faith," where the author celebrates the enduring legacy of those who lived by faith, demonstrating that the examples are so numerous that they exceed the capacity of a single discourse.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with G1952 or relate to the concepts of lack, sufficiency, or abundance:
* λείπω (*leípō*) `{{G3007}}`: The root verb, meaning "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to leave behind." ἐπιλείπω can be seen as an intensification or specific application of this base meaning.
* ὑστερέω (*hysteréō*) `{{G5302}}`: Meaning "to be lacking," "to fall short," "to be in need," or "to come short of." This word is often used in contexts of moral or spiritual deficiency (e.g., "all have sinned and *fall short* of the glory of God").
* ἐνδεής (*endeēs*) `{{G1729}}`: An adjective meaning "needy," "deficient," or "lacking."
* ἀρκεῖ (*arkeí*) `{{G714}}`: Meaning "to be sufficient," "to suffice," or "to be enough." This serves as an antonym, representing the state of having enough or being adequate.
* περισσεύω (*perisseúō*) `{{G4052}}`: Meaning "to abound," "to be superfluous," or "to have in abundance." This word stands in stark contrast to the concept of ἐπιλείπω, signifying an overflowing supply rather than a deficiency.
The concept of human limitation in contrast to divine abundance is a recurring theme. While human resources (like time) may ἐπιλείπω, God's resources and His faithfulness never fail.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of G1952 in Hebrews 11:32 carries significant theological weight.
Firstly, it underscores the *abundance* of God's work through faithful individuals throughout history. The sheer volume of examples of faith is so great that it exceeds the human capacity for recounting within a limited timeframe. This implicitly magnifies the power and scope of God's redemptive plan and the countless ways He has worked through His people.
Secondly, it highlights the *limitation of human expression* when attempting to fully grasp or articulate divine realities. The author's time would "fail," not because of a lack of content, but because of the finite nature of human discourse. This can be extended to suggest that no human language or narrative can fully capture the immensity of God's faithfulness or the depth of His interaction with humanity.
Finally, the word serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the *inexhaustible nature of faith's legacy*. While human time may run out, the examples of faith, and the God who inspires them, are boundless. It points to a divine reservoir of faithfulness that continues to provide examples for believers across generations.
### Summary
The Greek word G1952 (ἐπιλείπω, *epileípō*) means "to fail," "to be insufficient," or "to run short," particularly when a resource like time or supply is exhausted. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 11:32]] is highly illustrative: "For time would *fail* me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets." This usage powerfully conveys the author's rhetorical inability to fully enumerate the vast "cloud of witnesses" due to the limitations of human time. Theologically, G1952 thus emphasizes the immense and inexhaustible nature of God's work through His faithful servants, so abundant that it surpasses the capacity of human recounting, thereby indirectly magnifying the glory and faithfulness of God Himself.
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