from a compound of ἐπί and (to trip); figuratively, insecure:--dangerous.
Transliteration:episphalḗs
Pronunciation:ep-ee-sfal-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G2000 (ἐπισφαλής, *episphalḗs*) is derived from a compound of the preposition ἐπί (*epi*), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the root of σφάλλω (*sphallō*), which means "to cause to fall," "to trip," or "to stumble." Literally, therefore, *episphalḗs* conveys the sense of being "prone to stumbling," "unstable," or "precarious." Its primary semantic range extends to situations or conditions that are inherently "insecure," "risky," or "dangerous." It describes a state of affairs where a misstep or adverse circumstance is likely to lead to a fall, failure, or harm. The term emphasizes the inherent instability and potential for negative consequences within a given situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2000 (ἐπισφαλής) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 27:9]]. In this passage, Luke is recounting Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome: "When much time had been spent, and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them..." Here, *episphalḗs* directly modifies the "voyage" (ὁ πλοῦς), describing it as "dangerous" or "perilous." The context is critical: it refers to the physical dangers of navigation in the Mediterranean after the Day of Atonement (the Fast), a time when sea travel became notoriously unsafe due to storms and adverse weather conditions. The word highlights the objective precariousness of the situation, the inherent risk involved in continuing the journey. Paul's subsequent advice, which is ultimately disregarded, underscores the wisdom of recognizing and avoiding such dangerous circumstances. The use of *episphalḗs* here paints a vivid picture of the physical instability and threat faced by the ship and its passengers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and concepts share semantic overlap with G2000 (ἐπισφαλής), particularly concerning ideas of danger, instability, and stumbling.
* **σφάλλω (*sphallō*):** As the root verb, it signifies "to cause to fall," "to trip," or "to fail." This direct etymological link emphasizes the core idea of instability and potential collapse inherent in *episphalḗs*.
* **κίνδυνος (*kindynos* `{{G2793}}`):** This is a more general and common term for "danger," "peril," or "risk." While *kindynos* broadly denotes a hazardous situation, *episphalḗs* specifically highlights the *precariousness* or *instability* that makes it dangerous.
* **πτωμα (*ptōma* `{{G4431}}`):** Meaning "a fall" or "a corpse" (that which has fallen), it points to the outcome of an unstable situation.
* **σκάνδαλον (*skandalon* `{{G4625}}`):** This word refers to a "stumbling block" or "occasion for falling." While *episphalḗs* describes the state of being prone to stumbling, *skandalon* refers to the object or situation that *causes* one to stumble, often with moral or spiritual implications.
The concept of "instability" or "vulnerability" is central, whether applied to physical journeys, moral choices, or spiritual standing.
### Theological Significance
While G2000 (ἐπισφαλής) appears only once in the New Testament in a purely physical context ([[Acts 27:9]]), its underlying meaning of "insecure" or "precarious" carries significant theological resonance when considered metaphorically. The New Testament often employs metaphors of stability versus instability to describe spiritual realities. For instance, Jesus speaks of building one's house on the rock versus on sand ([[Matthew 7:24-27]]), illustrating the secure foundation of obedience to His words versus the precariousness of disobedience.
The "dangerous" voyage in [[Acts 27:9]] serves as a potent reminder of the precariousness of life and the consequences of disregarding wise counsel. Paul's spiritual discernment, guided by God, stood in stark contrast to the human decision to proceed despite the inherent danger. Theologically, this can be extended to:
1. **The Precariousness of Life:** Life itself, especially apart from divine guidance and protection, can be *episphalḗs*, full of unforeseen dangers and challenges.
2. **The Peril of Disobedience/Unbelief:** Just as the physical journey became dangerous, so too can the spiritual journey become perilous when one deviates from God's path or ignores His warnings. The path of sin or unbelief is inherently *episphalḗs*, leading to spiritual "stumbling" or "falling."
3. **The Need for Discernment:** The incident in Acts highlights the importance of spiritual wisdom to discern truly "dangerous" situations, whether physical or spiritual, and to choose the path of safety and prudence.
### Summary
The Greek word G2000 (ἐπισφαλής, *episphalḗs*) fundamentally denotes a state of being "insecure," "precarious," or "dangerous," stemming from its etymological root signifying "prone to stumbling." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:9]] vividly describes the perilous nature of a sea voyage, emphasizing the objective physical risk involved. Although used in a concrete context, the term's core meaning of instability and potential for harm resonates with broader theological themes concerning the precariousness of life, the dangers of disregarding divine wisdom, and the importance of a firm foundation in faith to avoid spiritual stumbling. It underscores the need for discernment in navigating both physical and spiritual journeys.
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