### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐφάλλομαι (ephállomai, `{{G2177}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "to," and the verb ἅλλομαι (hallomai, `{{G242}}`), meaning "to leap" or "to spring." Together, these components yield the core meaning of "to leap upon," "to spring on," or "to jump onto." The prefix ἐπί is crucial, as it specifies the direction and target of the leap, indicating an action directed *onto* or *against* something or someone. The semantic range therefore encompasses not merely a general jump, but a sudden, forceful, and often aggressive or imposing movement. It implies an overwhelming or assertive action, where the subject forcefully lands upon or engages with the object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐφάλλομαι (ephállomai, `{{G2177}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 19:16]]**: "And the man in whom was the evil spirit *leaped on* them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."
In this sole occurrence, the word vividly describes the violent action of a demon-possessed man. The context involves the sons of Sceva, who, lacking genuine spiritual authority, attempted to exorcise a demon by invoking the name of "Jesus whom Paul preaches." The evil spirit, far from being intimidated, empowered the man to *ephállomai* (leap upon) the exorcists. This action was not a mere jump but a powerful, aggressive assault, resulting in the physical subjugation and injury of those who presumptuously challenged the demonic power. The use of ἐφάλλομαι here underscores the suddenness, intensity, and overwhelming nature of the attack, highlighting the physical manifestation of demonic power and the vulnerability of those without true divine backing.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἅλλομαι (hallomai, `{{G242}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to leap," "to spring," or "to gush forth" (as water). ἐφάλλομαι adds the directional "upon" to this base action.
* **προσπίπτω (prospipto, `{{G4363}}`):** To fall upon, to fall down before. While it can denote a forceful falling, it can also signify prostration in worship or supplication, lacking the specific "leaping" component of ἐφάλλομαι.
* **ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi, `{{G2007}}`):** To lay upon, place upon, impose. This verb implies placing something on top of another, or imposing a burden, but does not carry the same sense of sudden, forceful, or agile movement as ἐφάλλομαι.
* **ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambanomai, `{{G1949}}`):** To lay hold of, seize, take possession of. While it describes an act of seizing, it lacks the dynamic "leaping" aspect of ἐφάλλομαι.
* **Concepts:** The word ἐφάλλομαι is intrinsically linked to concepts such as sudden attack, overwhelming force, demonic power, spiritual confrontation, and physical violence. It speaks to the tangible reality of spiritual conflict and the potential for severe consequences when confronting evil forces without genuine divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐφάλλομαι (ephállomai, `{{G2177}}`) in [[Acts 19:16]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Demonstration of Demonic Power:** The word vividly portrays the raw, physical, and aggressive power of the evil spirit. It is not merely a spiritual influence but an active, overwhelming force capable of inflicting physical harm. This serves as a stark reminder of the formidable nature of the adversary.
2. **Contrast with True Authority:** The incident immediately follows the sons of Sceva's attempt to use Jesus' name as a magical incantation, devoid of true faith or relationship with Him. The demon's violent "leaping upon" them stands in stark contrast to the genuine power and authority of God demonstrated through Paul. It underscores that spiritual warfare is not a matter of formulaic rituals but requires authentic divine empowerment and a personal relationship with Christ.
3. **Warning against Presumption:** The event acts as a powerful theological warning against presumptuous spiritual activity. Those who lack genuine spiritual standing or who attempt to wield divine power for personal gain or without true faith are shown to be vulnerable and even endangered when confronting the forces of evil. It highlights the sacredness and seriousness of engaging in spiritual realities.
4. **Reality of Spiritual Conflict:** Though rare, the word contributes to the New Testament's portrayal of spiritual conflict as a tangible and sometimes physically violent reality. It affirms that evil forces are not abstract concepts but active agents capable of exerting immense power, necessitating vigilance and reliance on God's strength.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐφάλλομαι (ephállomai, `{{G2177}}`) precisely conveys the action "to spring upon" or "to leap on." Derived from ἐπί (upon) and ἅλλομαι (to leap), it denotes a sudden, forceful, and often aggressive movement directed *onto* a target. Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 19:16]], is remarkably impactful. Here, a demon-possessed man "leaped on" the sons of Sceva, powerfully illustrating the overwhelming and violent nature of the evil spirit. This vivid depiction underscores the tangible reality of spiritual forces, serving as a profound warning against presumptuous spiritual engagement. The word highlights the critical distinction between genuine divine authority and mere imitation, emphasizing the severity of spiritual warfare and the absolute necessity of true faith and divine empowerment when confronting demonic opposition.
TRV