ἐπιχειρέω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epicheiréō, represented by G2021, is derived from ἐπί and χείρ, literally meaning to put the hand upon. It is used to describe an undertaking or attempt, translated as to go about or take in hand. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, indicating a specific but significant usage.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, G2021 describes the initiation of a significant action, whether positive or negative. In Luke's gospel, it is used to describe how many have taken in hand the task of compiling a narrative of the events concerning Jesus Luke 1:1. In Acts, the word appears twice with darker connotations. It describes the Grecians who, after disputing with Saul, went about to slay him Acts 9:29. It is also used for the vagabond Jewish exorcists who took upon them the task of using the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits, an act for which they had no authority Acts 19:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the nature of the action being undertaken with G2021:

• G392 anatássomai (to arrange:--set in order): This is used with G2021 to describe the orderly task of compiling a narrative Luke 1:1. The undertaking was to set forth in order a declaration.
• G337 anairéō (to take up, i.e. adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e. abolish, murder:--put to death, kill, slay, take away, take up): This word reveals the violent intent of those who went about to slay him Acts 9:29.
• G3687 onomázō (to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess:--call, name): This specifies the action of the exorcists who took upon them to call on the name of Jesus, an act they were not authorized to perform Acts 19:13.

Theological Significance

The use of G2021 highlights the significance of human initiative and the nature of an attempt. The context determines whether the undertaking is noble, malicious, or presumptuous.

• Orderly Initiative: In Luke 1:1, the act of taking something in hand is presented as a diligent and purposeful effort to create an ordered account for the benefit of believers.
• Hostile Intent: The word is used to frame the deliberate and hostile plot against the early church, where opponents went about to murder a follower of Jesus Acts 9:29. This shows human will set in opposition to the divine.
• Presumptuous Action: The exorcists in Acts 19:13 took upon them a spiritual task without a proper relationship with the authority they invoked. Their undertaking demonstrates a misuse of holy things.

Summary

In summary, G2021 epicheiréō defines the act of "putting one's hand to" a task. While its usage is infrequent, its context is powerful, illustrating a range of human endeavors. It can describe a praiseworthy effort to document sacred history Luke 1:1, a deadly plot born from opposition Acts 9:29, or a foolish and unauthorized attempt to control spiritual power Acts 19:13. The word underscores that the value of an undertaking is defined by the intent and authority behind it.