### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epiphérō**, represented by `{{G2018}}`, means to **bear upon or further**. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is versatile, encompassing the act of bringing a legal accusation, inflicting a punishment or suffering, and even the simple physical act of carrying an item to someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{G2018}}` varies significantly by context. In a legal sense, it describes the act of lodging a formal complaint, as when Paul's **accusers** `{{G2725}}` **brought** no accusation against him of the sort that Festus expected [[Acts 25:18]]. This is paralleled in [[Jude 1:9]], where Michael the archangel did not dare to **bring against** the devil a railing accusation. The word is also used to denote inflicting something negative, such as Paul's opponents seeking to **add** affliction `{{G2347}}` to his bonds [[Philippians 1:16]], or questioning if God is unrighteous to **taketh** vengeance `{{G3709}}` [[Romans 3:5]]. In a purely physical sense, it describes how handkerchiefs or aprons **were brought** from Paul's body to heal the sick [[Acts 19:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the different applications of **epiphérō**:
* `{{G2725}}` **katḗgoros** (a complainant at law; specially, Satan:--accuser): This word is used for the very **accusers** who failed to **bring** a valid charge against Paul, highlighting the legal context of `{{G2018}}` [[Acts 25:18]].
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): This is the **affliction** that some intended to **add** to Paul, showing how `{{G2018}}` can mean to superimpose suffering [[Philippians 1:16]].
* `{{G3709}}` **orgḗ** (properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath): This is the **vengeance** that God **taketh** or inflicts, linking `{{G2018}}` to the execution of divine judgment [[Romans 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological concepts associated with `{{G2018}}` revolve around authority, judgment, and the transference of power.
* **Delegated Authority:** In the confrontation over Moses' body, Michael the archangel does not **bring** his own accusation but defers to a higher power, saying "The Lord rebuke thee" [[Jude 1:9]]. This demonstrates a principle of divine order and restraint in judgment.
* **Infliction of Consequences:** The term is used for both the infliction of divine **vengeance** `{{G3709}}` [[Romans 3:5]] and the addition of human **affliction** `{{G2347}}` [[Philippians 1:16]], illustrating its connection to the application of both just and malicious outcomes.
* **Physical Conduits for Healing:** The literal act of **bringing** items from Paul's body resulted in the departure of **diseases** `{{G3554}}` and evil spirits [[Acts 19:12]], showing that God can use physical means to manifest his spiritual power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2018}}` is a dynamic verb that moves beyond a simple definition of "to bring." It carries significant weight in legal proceedings, as seen in the failure to **bring** a proper accusation [[Acts 25:18]]. It also captures the essence of imposing something upon another, whether it is divine **vengeance** [[Romans 3:5]], human **affliction** [[Philippians 1:16]], or miraculous healing [[Acts 19:12]]. Through its few occurrences, **epiphérō** demonstrates how a single action of "bearing upon" can have profound legal, punitive, and spiritual ramifications.
TRV