The meaning of “ἐπιλαμβάνομαι”
Understanding epilambánomai reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
middle voice from ἐπί and λαμβάνω catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on). - to seize (for help, injury, attainm...
ἐπιλαμβάνομαι
middle voice from ἐπί and λαμβάνω catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on). - to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose - literally or figuratively)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 14:31 | “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Word: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai) | |
| Mark 8:23 | “And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.” Word: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai) | |
| Luke 20:20 | “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.” Word: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai) | |
| Acts 18:17 | “Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.” Word: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai) | |
| 1 Timothy 6:19 | “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Word: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambánomai) |