The meaning of “ἐπί”
Understanding epí reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
a primary preposition about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge ...
ἐπί
a primary preposition about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. - properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc. - of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc. - of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 16:19 | “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Word: ἐπί (epí) | |
| Romans 8:20 | “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,” Word: ἐπί (epí) | |
| Philippians 3:9 | “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Word: ἐπί (epí) | |
| 2 Timothy 3:9 | “But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.” Word: ἐπί (epí) | |
| 1 Peter 2:25 | “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. ” Word: ἐπί (epí) |