from ἐπί and τίθημι; to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense):--add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound.
Transliteration:epitíthēmi
Pronunciation:ep-ee-tith'-ay-mee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, `{{G2007}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon" or "to," and the verb τίθημι (títhēmi, `{{G5087}}`), meaning "to place," "to put," or "to set." Therefore, the core meaning of ἐπιτίθημι is "to place upon," "to put on," or "to lay upon." This foundational sense carries a wide semantic range, encompassing both benevolent and malevolent applications, as well as neutral actions.
In its positive or benevolent sense, it can denote the act of laying hands for blessing, healing, or the impartation of spiritual gifts and authority. It suggests a transfer or bestowal. Conversely, in a negative or hostile sense, it can refer to the act of laying hands to seize, arrest, or inflict harm, or the imposition of burdens and oppressive regulations. Neutrally, it can simply describe the physical act of placing an object on another, such as a stone on a tomb or a garment on a person. The specific context is crucial for discerning the precise nuance of "imposition" implied by ἐπιτίθημι.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιτίθημι appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Healing and Blessing:** A prominent use is in the context of Jesus and His disciples laying hands on the sick for healing. Jesus "laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them" in [[Mark 6:5]], and similarly in [[Luke 4:40]] and [[Luke 13:13]]. This act signifies a tangible connection through which divine power is conveyed. The apostles also laid hands on believers for the reception of the Holy Spirit, as seen in [[Acts 8:17]] and [[Acts 19:6]], and for commissioning into ministry, such as Ananias laying hands on Saul ([[Acts 9:12]], [[Acts 9:17]]) and Paul laying hands on Publius' father ([[Acts 28:8]]). These instances underscore a transfer of spiritual grace, authority, or healing.
* **Imposing Burdens or Regulations:** ἐπιτίθημι can describe the act of placing a burden or obligation upon someone. Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for "loading people with burdens hard to bear" ([[Luke 11:46]]). Similarly, in the Jerusalem Council, Peter speaks against "putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples" ([[Acts 15:10]]), referring to the imposition of Mosaic Law on Gentile converts. The council ultimately resolves "to lay no greater burden" ([[Acts 15:28]]) on them. Here, the word conveys the idea of an oppressive or difficult imposition.
* **Hostile Seizure or Arrest:** The verb is often used to describe the act of laying hands on someone with hostile intent, typically to seize or arrest them. This is evident in accounts of attempts to apprehend Jesus ([[John 7:44]], [[John 18:12]]) and His disciples ([[Matthew 26:50]], [[Mark 14:46]]). Herod "laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to persecute them" ([[Acts 12:1]]). In these contexts, ἐπιτίθημι signifies an act of aggression or detention.
* **Placing Objects:** In a more literal and neutral sense, ἐπιτίθημι describes the physical placement of objects. Examples include placing a stone over a tomb ([[Matthew 27:60]]), a robe on Jesus ([[Matthew 27:28]]), or a crown of thorns on His head ([[Matthew 27:29]]). It can also refer to placing food on a table ([[Luke 9:16]]) or a ship on the shore ([[Acts 28:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐπιτίθημι is enriched by examining its etymological components and conceptually related terms:
* **ἐπί (epí, `{{G1909}}`):** The prefix ἐπί is crucial, as it specifies the direction "upon" or "over," fundamentally shaping the meaning of "placing."
* **τίθημι (títhēmi, `{{G5087}}`):** The root verb simply means "to place" or "to set." The addition of ἐπί specifies the manner or location of that placement.
* **χειροθεσία (cheirothesia, `{{G5495}}`):** Literally "laying on of hands," this noun directly relates to the action often performed with ἐπιτίθημι in contexts of blessing, healing, or ordination.
* **βάρους (barous, `{{G916}}`):** "Burden" or "weight," a noun often associated with the negative sense of ἐπιτίθημι when burdens are "laid upon" people.
* **κρατέω (krateō, `{{G2902}}`):** "To seize" or "to grasp," often a synonym for the hostile application of ἐπιτίθημι when referring to arrest or capture.
* **προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, `{{G4336}}`):** "To pray," as the laying on of hands (using ἐπιτίθημι) is frequently accompanied by prayer in acts of healing or impartation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιτίθημι is profound, particularly in its varied applications:
* **Divine Impartation and Authority:** The use of ἐπιτίθημι in healing and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit highlights a tangible manifestation of divine power and authority. It signifies God's direct intervention and the means by which His grace, healing, and spiritual gifts are conveyed through human agents. This act underscores the incarnational principle, where spiritual realities are mediated through physical actions.
* **Commissioning and Ordination:** In the context of the early Church, the laying on of hands (using ἐπιτίθημι) became a recognized practice for setting apart individuals for specific ministries and for imparting spiritual gifts necessary for their service. This practice affirms God's call and empowers individuals for their divine assignments, signifying apostolic succession and the continuity of the Spirit's work.
* **The Yoke of Christ vs. Legalism:** The contrast between "laying burdens" (referring to the oppressive weight of legalistic requirements or human traditions) and the "easy yoke" of Christ ([[Matthew 11:30]]) is a significant theological theme. ἐπιτίθημι here illustrates the difference between humanly imposed, burdensome religiosity and the liberating grace offered by Christ.
* **Suffering and Persecution:** The frequent use of ἐπιτίθημι to describe hostile seizure or arrest underscores the reality of persecution faced by Jesus and His followers. It serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition that the Kingdom of God often encounters in the world.
* **The Tangible Nature of Faith:** Whether for healing, blessing, or even hostile action, the physical act implied by ἐπιτίθημι emphasizes the concrete, embodied nature of human interaction and divine activity in the biblical narrative. It is not merely an abstract concept but a visible demonstration of spiritual realities.
### Summary
ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, `{{G2007}}`) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to place upon" or "to lay upon." Its semantic range extends from benevolent actions like laying hands for healing, blessing, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit, to hostile acts such as seizing or arresting, and the imposition of burdensome regulations. Context is paramount in discerning its precise meaning. Theologically, ἐπιτίθημι illuminates divine impartation and authority, the commissioning of believers for ministry, the contrast between legalistic burdens and the grace of Christ, and the reality of persecution. Its usage underscores the tangible and often profound ways in which divine power, human will, and spiritual realities intersect in the biblical narrative.
TRV