### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epiphōnéō**, represented by `{{G2019}}`, means to call at something, to exclaim, to cry against, or to give a shout. It is formed from the words ἐπί and φωνέω. This specific term is used sparingly in scripture, appearing only **4 times** across **3 unique verses**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2019}}` captures moments of intense public outcry. It is the word used to describe the crowd's hostile demand to **crucify** Jesus [[Luke 23:21]]. It also describes the people's reaction to Herod, when they **gave a shout** in adulation, claiming his speech was the voice of a god [[Acts 12:22]]. Finally, it characterizes the tumultuous cries against Paul, which were so confusing that the chief captain commanded Paul to be examined by scourging simply to find out why the crowd **cried** against him [[Acts 22:24]]. In each instance, the word denotes a powerful and consequential public exclamation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context of these exclamations:
* `{{G1218}}` **dēmos** (the public (as bound together socially):--people): This word identifies the source of the shout, as when the **people** exclaimed in praise of Herod [[Acts 12:22]].
* `{{G5456}}` **phōnḗ** (a tone... an address... saying or language:--noise, sound, voice): This describes the nature of the shout itself, such as the **voice** of a god the people claimed to hear from Herod [[Acts 12:22]].
* `{{G4717}}` **stauróō** (to impale on the cross... to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness:--crucify): This specifies the content of the cry against Jesus, with the crowd demanding to **crucify** him [[Luke 23:21]].
* `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** (the commander of a thousand soldiers... colonel:--(chief, high) captain): This term identifies the authority figure who must react to the crowd's cry, as when the **chief captain** took action regarding Paul [[Acts 22:24]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G2019}}` highlights several important dynamics within the biblical narrative:
* **The Power of the Crowd:** The word is exclusively used to describe a collective, public outcry. It demonstrates the force of a group's voice to praise a ruler [[Acts 12:22]] or to condemn the innocent [[Luke 23:21]].
* **High-Stakes Proclamations:** The cries are never trivial. They concern matters of worship and divine identity, as with Herod being called a **god** `{{G2316}}`, and matters of life and death, as with the demand to crucify Jesus.
* **Judgment and Condemnation:** In two of its three occurrences, `{{G2019}}` is used for a cry of condemnation. The crowd **cried** for Jesus' execution [[Luke 23:21]], and they **cried** against Paul, prompting an official inquiry [[Acts 22:24]].
### Summary
In summary, **epiphōnéō** `{{G2019}}` is a specific and potent term for a public outburst. Though rare, its appearances in scripture mark pivotal moments of collective emotion, whether in wrongful condemnation or misguided praise. It underscores how a powerful public shout can influence authority and seal the fate of individuals, revealing the volatile nature of crowd dynamics in key biblical events.
TRV