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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epipíptō**, represented by `{{G1968}}`, is formed from ἐπί and πίπτω. Its core definition is to **embrace** with affection or to **seize** with some degree of violence, whether literally or figuratively. It is often translated as to fall upon, lie on, or press upon. This versatile term appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses**, capturing moments of intense emotional and spiritual encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1968}}` conveys a sudden and overwhelming action. It is used to describe the profound affection of the father for his returning son, who "ran{G5143}, and **fell** on his neck, and{G2532} kissed{G2705} him" [[Luke 15:20]]. A similar scene of emotional farewell occurs when the Ephesian elders **fell** on Paul's neck and wept [[Acts 20:37]]. The word can also describe a divine intervention or judgment, as when a **mist** `{{G887}}` and **darkness** `{{G4655}}` **fell** on Elymas the sorcerer [[Acts 13:11]]. Figuratively, it denotes the overwhelming onset of an emotion, such as when **fear** `{{G5401}}` **fell** upon Zacharias [[Luke 1:12]] or the people of Ephesus [[Acts 19:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help illuminate the contexts in which `{{G1968}}` is used:
* `{{G2705}}` **kataphiléō** (to kiss earnestly): This action often immediately follows the embrace of **epipíptō**, intensifying the expression of affection, as seen with the prodigal son's father [[Luke 15:20]] and Paul's farewell [[Acts 20:37]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): The Holy **Ghost** is described as **falling** `{{G1968}}` upon believers, signifying a powerful and sudden outpouring of the Spirit from God ([[Acts 10:44]], [[Acts 11:15]]).
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (fear): This term for alarm or terror is frequently the subject that **falls** `{{G1968}}` upon individuals when they encounter the supernatural, indicating an experience that seizes them completely ([[Luke 1:12]], [[Acts 19:17]]).
* `{{G1611}}` **ékstasis** (trance): In one instance, a person **falls** `{{G1968}}` into a **trance**, describing the state of being overcome by a divine vision [[Acts 10:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1968}}` is seen in its depiction of sudden, decisive encounters between the divine and the human.
* **Overwhelming Grace and Affection:** The word powerfully illustrates God's character through the father in the parable of the prodigal son. His act of **falling** on his son's neck shows a love that moves with unrestrained haste and acceptance [[Luke 15:20]].
* **The Sovereign Outpouring of the Spirit:** The Holy **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` **falling** upon people highlights the sovereign and often unexpected nature of the Spirit's arrival, marking a pivotal moment of initiation into the community of believers ([[Acts 8:16]], [[Acts 10:44]]).
* **Vicarious Suffering:** In Romans, the word is used to describe how the **reproaches** `{{G3680}}` of those who taunted God **fell** upon Christ, conveying the transfer of a burden from one to another [[Romans 15:3]].
* **Supernatural Onset:** Whether it is **fear** `{{G5401}}`, a **trance** `{{G1611}}`, or physical **darkness** `{{G4655}}`, **epipíptō** is used to frame supernatural events as something that actively seizes or comes upon a person, rather than something they initiate ([[Acts 10:10]], [[Acts 13:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1968}}` is a dynamic word that signifies more than a simple action of falling. It captures a sense of being suddenly and completely overtaken. From the tender, unrestrained **embrace** of a forgiving father to the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit, the sudden grip of **fear**, or the vicarious bearing of **reproach**, **epipíptō** illustrates moments where an external force—be it love, God's Spirit, or judgment—presses upon and profoundly impacts an individual.
TRV