from ἐπί and ἰσχύω; to avail further, i.e. (figuratively) insist stoutly:--be the more fierce.
Transliteration:epischýō
Pronunciation:ep-is-khoo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἐπισχύω (epischýō), Strong's `{{G2001}}`, is a Greek verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon," "over," or indicating intensification/addition, and the verb ἰσχύω (ischýō), Strong's `{{G2480}}`, meaning "to be strong," "to be able," or "to prevail." The compound form thus conveys the idea of an intensified or further application of strength or power. Lexically, it is defined as "to avail further," "to insist stoutly," or "to be the more fierce." It describes a state where strength or resolve is not merely present, but is applied with increasing force, persistence, or vehemence, often in the face of resistance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπισχύω occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 23:5]]: "But they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place."
In this solitary occurrence, ἐπισχύω describes the reaction of the chief priests and scribes when Pilate expresses his finding of no guilt in Jesus. Pilate's initial attempt to release Jesus is met with an intensified and escalating opposition. The phrase "they were the more fierce" (or "they insisted more vehemently," "they became more insistent") powerfully conveys the increasing pressure and determination exerted by Jesus' accusers. Their opposition was not merely strong; it grew in intensity and vehemence, demonstrating their unyielding resolve to secure Jesus' condemnation. This singular usage highlights the relentless nature of their hostility and their success in overpowering Pilate's reluctance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἰσχύω (ischýō) `{{G2480}}`**: The base verb, meaning "to be strong, able, powerful." ἐπισχύω is an intensified form, indicating a greater degree or application of this strength.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: Refers to inherent power, ability, or might. While ἐπισχύω is related to power, it emphasizes the *active exertion* or *insistence* of that power.
* **κρατέω (krateō) `{{G2902}}`**: To be strong, to prevail, to grasp or seize. Shares the semantic field of power and dominance, often implying the successful application of force.
* **βιάζομαι (biazomai) `{{G971}}`**: To force, to compel, to use violence. ἐπισχύω in [[Luke 23:5]] carries a similar sense of strong, compelling pressure, though perhaps more focused on the *increasing intensity* of that pressure.
* **Concepts:** Persistence, vehemence, insistence, escalation, unyielding opposition, fervent determination.
### Theological Significance
Though ἐπισχύω appears only once, its placement in the passion narrative of [[Luke 23:5]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It vividly portrays the escalating intensity of human opposition to Christ. The chief priests and scribes were not simply disagreeing with Pilate; they were becoming "more fierce," demonstrating an unyielding and escalating animosity towards Jesus. This single word underscores:
1. **The Depth of Human Rebellion:** It reveals the extreme lengths to which human will, when aligned with spiritual darkness, will go to reject and condemn divine truth. The insistence was not merely political; it was rooted in deep-seated spiritual enmity.
2. **The Pressure on Authority:** It illustrates how unrighteous insistence can exert immense pressure on those in power, swaying them against their better judgment and even against justice. Pilate, despite finding no fault, succumbs to this intensified clamor.
3. **Contrast with Christ's Meekness:** The vehement insistence of the crowd stands in stark contrast to the quiet, dignified suffering of Jesus, who, in fulfillment of prophecy, "opened not his mouth" [[Isaiah 53:7]]. This juxtaposition highlights the divine patience and humble submission of the Son of God amidst intense human rage.
4. **The Unstoppable March to the Cross:** The word marks a critical moment where the forces arrayed against Jesus become overwhelmingly insistent, pushing inexorably towards His crucifixion as part of God's sovereign plan for redemption.
### Summary
ἐπισχύω (epischýō), Strong's `{{G2001}}`, is a compound Greek verb signifying an intensified or escalated application of strength, meaning "to insist stoutly" or "to be the more fierce." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 23:5]] powerfully describes the unyielding and increasing vehemence of the Jewish leaders in their demand for Jesus' condemnation. This word highlights the relentless nature of human opposition to Christ, the immense pressure exerted on Pilate, and the escalating animosity that ultimately led to the cross. Despite its rare appearance, ἐπισχύω serves as a potent descriptor of the fervent, unrighteous insistence that characterized the final stages of Jesus' earthly ministry, underscoring the depth of human rebellion against divine truth.
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