from ἐπί and a derivative of σκιά; to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence:--overshadow.
Transliteration:episkiázō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-skee-ad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1982}}` (episkiázō) is a compound word derived from the preposition `{{G1909}}` (epí), meaning "upon" or "over," and the verb σκιάζω (skiazō), which means "to cast a shadow," itself from `{{G4639}}` (skia), "shadow." Therefore, the literal core meaning is "to cast a shadow upon" or "to overshadow." However, its New Testament usage extends beyond a mere physical shadow, carrying profound theological implications. The semantic range expands to include "to envelop in a haze of brilliancy" or "to invest with preternatural influence." This suggests a covering, a presence that is not merely obscuring but often divine, powerful, and transformative. It implies an active, powerful, and often awe-inspiring presence that descends upon and encompasses an individual or a scene.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1982}}` appears four times in the New Testament, each instance laden with significant theological weight:
1. **The Annunciation to Mary:** In [[Luke 1:35]], the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God." Here, the overshadowing by the "power of the Most High" (which is identified with the Holy Spirit) signifies a unique, miraculous, and divine act of conception. It implies God's direct, intimate, and supernatural involvement in bringing about the incarnation of Jesus, protecting Mary in the process, and enabling the impossible. This overshadowing grants divine presence and power for a unique creative act.
2. **The Transfiguration of Jesus:** `{{G1982}}` is used in all three Synoptic accounts of the Transfiguration: [[Matthew 17:5]], [[Mark 9:7]], and [[Luke 9:34]]. In these passages, a "bright cloud" (Matthew) or simply "a cloud" (Mark, Luke) "overshadows" Peter, James, and John. This cloud is immediately followed by a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son. The imagery of a cloud overshadowing is a direct echo of the Old Testament *Shekinah* glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence, which covered the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 40:34-35]]) and filled the Temple ([[1 Kings 8:10-11]]). At the Transfiguration, the overshadowing cloud signifies the immediate, glorious presence of God, validating Jesus' divine identity and marking a moment of divine revelation and sacred encounter. It instills awe and reverence in the disciples.
3. **Peter's Healing Shadow:** In [[Acts 5:15]], it is said that people brought their sick into the streets "so that as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them" (hina kán elthóntos Pétrou hē skiá episkiásē tinos autōn). While this is the most literal use of "overshadow" in the sense of a physical shadow falling, it is still imbued with supernatural significance. The belief was that Peter's shadow, by virtue of his divine empowerment, carried healing power. This demonstrates the extension of God's miraculous power through His apostles, where even the periphery of a divinely appointed servant could be an instrument of God's grace and healing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{G1982}}` (episkiázō) is deeply intertwined with several key biblical themes and terms:
* **`{{G4639}}` (skia):** The root word for "shadow," emphasizing the physical or metaphorical covering.
* **`{{G1411}}` (dynamis):** "Power" or "ability." In [[Luke 1:35]], the overshadowing is explicitly linked to the "power of the Most High," highlighting the active, enabling force behind the divine presence.
* **`{{G40}}` (hagios pneuma):** "Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is the agent of the overshadowing in the incarnation, revealing the Spirit's role in divine creation and presence.
* **Shekinah Glory:** While not a Greek word, this Hebrew concept (from *shakan*, to dwell) is the Old Testament parallel to the overshadowing cloud. The cloud that covered the Tabernacle and filled the Temple symbolized God's manifest presence among His people. The use of `{{G1982}}` in the New Testament, particularly at the Transfiguration and the Annunciation, clearly evokes this same divine presence and glory. Examples include the cloud over Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 24:15-18]]) and the glory filling the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 40:34-35]]).
* **Divine Presence:** The overarching concept that `{{G1982}}` communicates. It signifies God's immediate, tangible, and often overwhelming presence in a specific context or with an individual.
* **Miraculous Intervention:** The word is consistently associated with supernatural acts – the virgin birth, the divine revelation at the Transfiguration, and apostolic healing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1982}}` (episkiázō) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Immanence and Activity:** The word powerfully conveys God's active, personal, and direct involvement in human history. It is not a passive presence but an active, dynamic overshadowing that accomplishes divine purposes.
2. **The Incarnation:** In [[Luke 1:35]], `{{G1982}}` is crucial for understanding the miraculous conception of Jesus. It describes the unique way in which the Holy Spirit enabled the divine Son to take on human flesh without human progenitor. This overshadowing signifies the divine power that transcends natural laws to bring about the hypostatic union.
3. **Divine Revelation and Authority:** At the Transfiguration, the overshadowing cloud serves as the locus of divine revelation, from which the Father's voice confirms Jesus' identity as the Son. It marks a moment of supreme theological significance, unveiling Christ's glory and divine authority to His inner circle.
4. **Continuity of God's Presence:** The use of `{{G1982}}` in the New Testament, particularly in relation to the cloud, consciously echoes the Old Testament *Shekinah* glory. This demonstrates a continuity in God's method of manifesting His presence – first in the Tabernacle/Temple, then uniquely in Christ, and through the Spirit.
5. **Sanctification and Empowerment:** The overshadowing implies a setting apart and an empowerment by divine influence. Mary is set apart for a unique purpose, the disciples are given a glimpse of divine glory, and Peter is empowered for healing.
6. **Awe and Reverence:** The experience of being overshadowed by God's presence is consistently depicted as inspiring profound awe and even fear among those who witness it, underscoring the majesty and holiness of God.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G1982}}` (episkiázō) signifies "to overshadow," but in its biblical usage, it transcends a mere physical covering to denote a powerful, active, and often glorious divine presence. It is consistently associated with moments of profound supernatural intervention and revelation. From the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit's overshadowing of Mary ([[Luke 1:35]]), to the manifestation of God's glory in the bright cloud at the Transfiguration ([[Matthew 17:5]], [[Mark 9:7]], [[Luke 9:34]]) that echoes the Old Testament *Shekinah*, to the healing power emanating even from Peter's shadow ([[Acts 5:15]]), `{{G1982}}` underscores God's direct, immanent, and transformative involvement in human affairs. It powerfully communicates themes of divine power, unique revelation, sacred space, and the awe-inspiring reality of God's active presence among His people.
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