The Greek word epitíthēmi, represented by G2007, is a versatile verb meaning to impose in either a friendly or hostile sense. Derived from the words ἐπί and τίθημι, its meanings include to add unto, lay upon, put on, or even to surname or wound. It appears 54 times across 41 unique verses, highlighting its significance in describing acts of impartation, burdening, and conferral.
The compound nature of G2007, formed from the preposition ἐπί (upon, over, in addition to) and the verb τίθημι (to put, place), inherently conveys an action directed onto a surface or into a state. This prefix ἐπί intensifies or specifies the direction of the placement, moving beyond a simple "to place" to suggest "to place upon," "to add to," or "to impose." This foundational meaning is critical for understanding its diverse applications, whether describing a physical act of contact, the assignment of a responsibility, or the symbolic conferral of a status.
In the biblical narrative, G2007 is used in several key contexts. It frequently describes a physical act of impartation, such as when Jesus laid his hands on the sick to heal them Luke 4:40 or when Ananias was sent to put his hands on Saul so he could receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost Acts 9:17. In a hostile sense, it is used to describe the imposition of suffering, as when soldiers put a crown of thorns on Jesus' head Matthew 27:29 or when the cross was laid on Simon the Cyrenian Luke 23:26. The word also carries the meaning of adding to something, as in the warning that God will add plagues to anyone who adds to the words of prophecy Revelation 22:18.
G2007 also captures more practical and mundane acts of placement, demonstrating its broad applicability beyond the overtly spiritual or hostile. For instance, it is used when Paul laid a bundle of sticks on the fire Acts 28:3, or when Jesus instructed the blind man to wash off the clay he had put on his eyes John 9:15. The word describes setting a candle on a candlestick rather than hiding it Luke 8:16, Mark 4:21, and the disciples put their clothes on the colt for Jesus to ride Matthew 21:7. In a formal context, it records the act of setting up the accusation over Jesus' head on the cross Matthew 27:37, highlighting its use in public declarations or displays.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of placing, imposing, and authority:
- G5087 títhēmi (to place): As the root of G2007, this verb means to place, often in a passive or horizontal posture. It is distinct from G2476 hístēmi, which implies an upright position. Jesus uses it when he speaks of the good shepherd who giveth his life for the sheep John 10:11.
- G5495 cheír (the hand): This word is the most common object associated with G2007, forming the phrase "to lay on hands." This action is central to narratives of healing Mark 16:18, blessing children Matthew 19:15, and commissioning believers for service Acts 6:6.
- G2218 zygós (yoke): This term, meaning a yoke or servitude, is used when Peter questions the wisdom of tempting God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that they were unable to bear Acts 15:10.
- G2018 epiphérō (to bring upon): This verb, also commencing with ἐπί, describes the act of bringing or inflicting something upon another, conceptually aligning with G2007 in its sense of imposing burdens, accusations, or even judgment.
The theological weight of G2007 is demonstrated in its varied applications, highlighting different forms of spiritual and physical imposition.
- Transfer of Authority and Blessing: The "laying on of hands" is a primary theological action conveyed by G2007. It is the means through which healing is ministered Acts 28:8, the Holy Spirit is imparted Acts 8:17, and individuals are commissioned for ministry Acts 13:3.
- Imposition of Burdens and Judgment: The word illustrates the concept of imposing both unjust and just burdens. The Pharisees lay heavy burdens on men's shoulders Matthew 23:4, while God threatens to add the plagues of the book upon those who tamper with His word Revelation 22:18. It is also used to describe the hostile act of inflicting wounds Luke 10:30.
- Conferral of a New Identity: In a unique application, G2007 is used when Jesus gives a new name. He surnamed Simon as Peter Mark 3:16, signifying a profound change in his identity and calling within God's plan.
- Identification and Consecration for Service: Beyond the mere transfer of authority, G2007 often marks a public act of setting apart and identifying individuals for specific roles or ministries within the church. The apostles laid their hands on the chosen deacons, consecrating them for service Acts 6:6, and Paul similarly laid hands on disciples in Ephesus, resulting in the reception of the Holy Spirit and prophetic utterance Acts 19:6. The caution in 1 Timothy 5:22 against laying hands "suddenly" underscores the gravity of this act of identification and endorsement.
Epitíthēmi, rooted in ἐπί (upon) and τίθημι (to place), fundamentally signifies the action of placing or imposing something on or upon another. This inherent directional force, indicating superposition or addition, gives the verb its broad semantic range, encompassing both physical and figurative applications across 41 unique verses in the New Testament. Its versatility allows it to describe actions ranging from simple physical placement to profound theological concepts.
The word's usage reveals a dynamic spectrum, from benevolent acts of impartation and blessing to the imposition of burdens and judgment. It is central to the concept of the laying on of hands, a practice signifying the transfer of healing, the impartation of the Holy Spirit, and the solemn commissioning of individuals for ministry and service. This act of laying on hands also serves as a public identification and consecration for specific roles, alongside the unique conferral of a new identity, as seen in the surnaming of Peter.
Conversely, epitíthēmi powerfully depicts hostile actions, such as the infliction of wounds, the imposition of unjust burdens by religious leaders, or the harsh judgment of God in adding plagues. It also describes more practical acts of placement, like setting a lamp on its stand, laying sticks on a fire, or placing an accusation over one's head, underscoring its broad application in daily life.
Ultimately, epitíthēmi serves as a vital linguistic tool for understanding the multifaceted ways in which authority, power, identity, responsibility, and even suffering are conveyed, inflicted, or established within the biblical narrative, reflecting the active engagement of both God and humanity in the world.
TRV