ἐπιδίδωμι

I hand in, give up, give way

Definition

The verb ἐπιδίδωμι (epididōmi) means 'to give over, hand over, or deliver.' It carries the core idea of giving something to someone, often with a sense of handing it over directly or surrendering it. In its transitive sense, it frequently describes the simple, physical act of handing an object to another person, such as a father giving bread or a fish to his child (Matthew 7:9-10, Luke 11:11-12) or Jesus handing the scroll to the attendant in the synagogue (Luke 4:17). In its intransitive sense, it can mean 'to give way' or 'to yield,' as seen in Acts 27:15 where the ship could not head into the wind and 'gave way' to it. The word also appears in the intimate context of Jesus breaking and giving bread to his disciples after the resurrection (Luke 24:30, 24:42).

Biblical Usage

ἐπιδίδωμι is used 10 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels. Its usage is concrete, describing the direct, personal handing over of physical objects. In Matthew 7:9-10 and Luke 11:11-12, it illustrates a father's good gift in response to a request. In Luke 4:17, it describes the ceremonial handing of the Isaiah scroll. In Luke 24:30 and 24:42, it is used for Jesus distributing bread, actions rich with Eucharistic overtones. The sole non-Gospel use is in Acts 27:15, where it describes a ship yielding to storm forces. The word consistently implies a direct transfer from one hand to another or a submission to a greater force.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'to') and the common verb δίδωμι (didōmi, meaning 'I give'). The prefix ἐπί can intensify the root meaning, adding a sense of 'over to' or 'in addition,' emphasizing the act of handing something over to someone. Thus, ἐπιδίδωμι often carries a nuance of delivering something into another's possession or control.

Semantic Range

While primarily describing ordinary actions, ἐπιδίδωμι gains theological significance in specific contexts. In Luke 24:30 and 24:42, Jesus' act of taking bread, blessing it, breaking it, and 'giving it' (ἐπιδίδωμι) to his disciples echoes the Last Supper and post-resurrection meals, connecting to the themes of revelation, fellowship, and the Lord's Supper. In Acts 27:15, the ship 'giving way' to the wind illustrates human helplessness against divine providence, as the narrative that follows demonstrates God's sovereign protection over Paul. Understanding this Greek term highlights the physicality and intentionality of giving in these key biblical moments.

In a culture where many transactions and interactions involved the direct, physical handing over of objects (scrolls, food, coins), the verb ἐπιδίδωμι captures a routine yet significant social gesture. The act of a father giving food to a child (Matthew 7:9-10) or a host distributing bread (Luke 24:30) were fundamental acts of provision and hospitality. The handing of a scroll in the synagogue (Luke 4:17) was a formal, respectful act granting authority to read. The modern concept of impersonal or digital transfer is absent; the word inherently involves personal agency and direct contact.

δίδωμι (didōmi, G1325) — The simpler, more common root verb for 'I give,' without the specific nuance of 'handing over.' παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, G3860) — Means 'to hand over, betray, or deliver up,' often with a negative connotation of surrender to authorities (e.g., Judas betraying Jesus). ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, G591) — Means 'to give back, repay, or render what is due,' focusing on restitution or fulfilling an obligation.

Word Details

Scripture References