from ἐπί and πίπτω; to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively):--fall into (on, upon) lie on, press upon.
Transliteration:epipíptō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-pip'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιπίπτω (epipíptō, `{{G1968}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, "upon," "to," "against") and the verb πίπτω (píptō, "to fall"). Its core meaning is therefore "to fall upon" or "to fall into." This seemingly simple combination yields a remarkably broad semantic range in the New Testament, encompassing actions that are both tender and forceful, literal and figurative.
At one end of the spectrum, epipíptō can denote a loving, affectionate embrace, as in "falling upon someone's neck." This conveys deep emotion, reconciliation, or heartfelt farewell. At the other end, it can signify a sudden, forceful impact, seizure, or a powerful descent, whether of a physical object, a spiritual force, or an emotion like fear. The precise nuance is always determined by the immediate context, reflecting the dynamic nature of human experience and divine interaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of epipíptō in the New Testament illustrate its diverse semantic range:
* **Affectionate Embrace:**
* One of the most poignant uses is in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father, seeing his returning son, "ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" ([[Luke 15:20]]). This portrays profound love, forgiveness, and restoration.
* Similarly, when Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders, "they all wept freely and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him" ([[Acts 20:37]]), signifying deep affection and sorrow at their impending separation. This usage aligns with the Septuagint (LXX) translation of epipíptō in passages like Joseph's reunion with Benjamin ([[Genesis 45:14]]).
* **Sudden, Powerful Descent (often divine):**
* The Holy Spirit is described as "falling upon" individuals, indicating a powerful, often sudden, manifestation or impartation. This occurs notably in the conversion of Cornelius and his household: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word" ([[Acts 10:44]]; also [[Acts 11:15]]). This signifies a direct, unmediated divine action, validating the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community.
* Fear or dread can also "fall upon" individuals or communities. After Ananias and Sapphira's deaths, "great fear came upon all who heard these things" ([[Acts 5:5]], [[Acts 5:11]]). Similarly, after the demonic possession in Ephesus, "fear fell upon all of them" ([[Acts 19:17]]). This conveys an overwhelming sense of awe, conviction, or even terror in the face of divine judgment or miraculous power.
* Zechariah's initial reaction to the angelic visitation is described: "And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him" ([[Luke 1:12]]).
* **Physical Impact or Seizure:**
* In a literal sense, Saul "fell to the ground" after being confronted by the risen Christ ([[Acts 9:4]]).
* During the shipwreck, the ship "ran aground and stuck fast and remained immovable" ([[Acts 27:41]]), where epipíptō describes the ship "falling upon" the shoal.
* When Paul gathers sticks, "a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand" ([[Acts 28:3]]), where the verb describes the viper "falling upon" or seizing his hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
Epipíptō is closely related to its root verb πίπτω (píptō, `{{G4098}}`), which simply means "to fall." The addition of the prefix ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`) specifies the direction or target of the fall ("upon," "against," "to"). Other related verbs include:
* καταπίπτω (katapíptō, `{{G2604}}`), "to fall down."
* προσπίπτω (prospíptō, `{{G4363}}`), "to fall upon" or "to fall down before," often in supplication.
* For the affectionate sense, ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai, `{{G782}}`), "to greet" or "to embrace," shares conceptual space, though epipíptō emphasizes the physical action of falling into an embrace.
* For the sense of seizing or taking hold, verbs like κρατέω (krateō, `{{G2902}}`) or λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`) might be considered, though epipíptō often implies a more sudden or unexpected action.
* The concept of divine "visitation" or "descent" is often conveyed through epipíptō when referring to the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it from a mere "coming" (ἔρχομαι, erchomai, `{{G2064}}`) by its emphasis on powerful, direct impact.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epipíptō lies in its capacity to convey both the tender intimacy of God's love and the powerful, sometimes overwhelming, nature of divine action.
* **Divine Initiative and Impartation:** When the Holy Spirit "falls upon" believers, it underscores God's sovereign initiative in bestowing His presence and power. It is not a gradual process but often a sudden, undeniable manifestation that transforms individuals and communities. This usage highlights the dynamic and active nature of the third person of the Trinity.
* **Reconciliation and Restoration:** The image of the father falling on the prodigal son's neck is a profound theological metaphor for God's boundless grace and readiness to reconcile with His wayward children. It speaks to the depth of divine love that actively seeks and embraces the repentant.
* **Awe and Conviction:** The "falling of fear" upon people in response to divine acts or judgments serves to emphasize God's holiness and power. It can lead to reverent awe, leading to repentance, or to a dread that signifies the seriousness of sin and judgment.
* **Human Vulnerability and Divine Sovereignty:** In instances of physical impact (e.g., shipwreck, viper), epipíptō subtly reminds us of human vulnerability to the forces of nature and unexpected events, yet within the broader narrative of divine providence and protection (as seen with Paul's survival).
### Summary
Epipíptō (`{{G1968}}`) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to fall upon," whose semantic range extends from the tender embrace of reconciliation to the forceful, often sudden, impact of divine power or physical phenomena. Its biblical occurrences vividly portray the spectrum of human emotion, divine initiative, and providential action. Whether describing the father's embrace of his prodigal son, the descent of the Holy Spirit, or the grip of fear, epipíptō consistently denotes an encounter characterized by directness and often profound significance, making it a word rich in theological import for understanding the dynamic relationship between God and humanity.
TRV