from the middle voice of a compound of ἐπί and συνιστάω; a conspiracy, i.e. concourse (riotous or friendly):--that which cometh upon, + raising up.
Transliteration:episýstasis
Pronunciation:ep-ee-soo'-stas-is
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπισύστασις (episýstasis - `{{G1999}}`) is a compound noun derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and συνιστάω (synistao - `{{G4921}}`), meaning "to stand together" or "to bring together." The middle voice implication of the base verb suggests an action performed by or for oneself, or a state resulting from such an action. Literally, it conveys the sense of "a standing together upon" or "a coming together upon."
The semantic range of episýstasis is notably broad, encompassing:
1. **A hostile gathering or conspiracy:** This implies an assembly with malicious intent, leading to tumult or sedition.
2. **A general concourse or assembly:** A neutral gathering of people, which could be either riotous or friendly depending on context.
3. **An overwhelming pressure or burden:** This abstract sense refers to something that "comes upon" an individual, such as a daily influx of responsibilities or anxieties.
The precise meaning is heavily dependent on the immediate context, showcasing the dynamic nature of Greek vocabulary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Episýstasis appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
1. **[[Acts 24:12]]**: "And they found me not in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city."
Here, the term is used in the context of Paul's defense before Felix. Paul denies the accusations of inciting a riot or causing public disturbance. The phrase "raising up the people" (KJV) or "stirring up a crowd" (ESV) clearly aligns with the "conspiracy" or "riotous concourse" aspect of the word's definition. Paul is refuting the charge that he was involved in an episýstasis in the sense of a seditious assembly or tumult. This usage highlights the false accusations of civil unrest often leveled against early Christians.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 11:28]]**: "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
In this passage, Paul is listing the hardships and pressures he endures for the sake of the Gospel. The phrase "that which cometh upon me daily" (KJV) or "my daily pressure" (ESV) uses episýstasis to describe the constant, overwhelming burden and anxiety associated with his responsibilities for the numerous churches. This is not a physical gathering but an abstract, psychological, and spiritual weight. It signifies the immense pressure of pastoral care and apostolic responsibility that "comes upon" him continually, distinguishing it from external persecutions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The dual usage of episýstasis connects it to several related Greek words and concepts:
* **For "assembly" or "gathering":**
* συναγωγή (synagogē - `{{G4864}}`): A common assembly, often for religious purposes.
* ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia - `{{G1577}}`): A called-out assembly, often referring to the church.
* ὄχλος (ochlos - `{{G3793}}`): A crowd, multitude, or mob.
* **For "tumult" or "sedition":**
* στάσις (stasis - `{{G4714}}`): An insurrection, sedition, or division.
* θόρυβος (thorybos - `{{G2351}}`): A tumult, uproar, or disturbance.
* ταραχή (tarachē - `{{G5016}}`): A disturbance or agitation.
* **For "burden" or "pressure":**
* βάρος (baros - `{{G922}}`): A weight or burden.
* θλῖψις (thlipsis - `{{G2347}}`): Tribulation, affliction, or pressure.
* μεριμνάω (merimnaō - `{{G3309}}`): To be anxious or to have cares (the verb form related to "care" in [[2 Corinthians 11:28]]).
The word's flexibility highlights the nuanced challenges faced by early Christians, from external opposition to internal spiritual burdens.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of episýstasis is profound, particularly in its distinct applications:
In [[Acts 24:12]], the word underscores the recurring theme of **false accusation and persecution** against the early church. Paul, as a herald of the Gospel, was frequently accused of sedition and disrupting public order. This usage of episýstasis demonstrates how the message of Christ, which brings peace and order, was often misconstrued by authorities as a source of episýstasis (tumult). It highlights the suffering and injustice endured by those who faithfully proclaim the truth, mirroring the suffering of Christ Himself.
In [[2 Corinthians 11:28]], episýstasis reveals the **immense personal cost and burden of apostolic ministry**. Paul's "daily pressure" or "care of all the churches" is not a complaint but an insight into the profound weight of responsibility he bore. This episýstasis is not externally imposed by enemies but arises from his deep love and commitment to the spiritual well-being of God's people. It speaks to the self-sacrificial nature of true spiritual leadership, where the shepherd genuinely carries the concerns of the flock. This burden, though heavy, is embraced as part of his calling, demonstrating a pastoral heart akin to that of Christ, who bore the ultimate burden for humanity.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπισύστασις (episýstasis - `{{G1999}}`) is a rare but powerfully illustrative term in the New Testament, showcasing a remarkable semantic range. Derived from the concept of "standing together upon," it uniquely conveys both a hostile "concourse" or "sedition" and an overwhelming "pressure" or "burden." In [[Acts 24:12]], it denotes the false accusation of inciting a riot, revealing the unjust persecution faced by early believers. Conversely, in [[2 Corinthians 11:28]], it profoundly describes the daily, weighty "care" and spiritual "pressure" that Paul experienced for the churches. This duality offers a rich insight into the multifaceted challenges of Christian life and ministry: enduring external opposition while faithfully bearing the internal burdens of Christ-like service.
TRV