ἐπιδύω
I sink, set
Definition
The verb ἐπιδύω means 'to set upon' or 'to go down upon,' specifically referring to the sun setting. It carries the literal sense of the sun sinking below the horizon. In its single New Testament occurrence in Ephesians 4:26, it is used metaphorically in the phrase 'do not let the sun go down on your anger,' where the setting of the sun marks a daily boundary or deadline for resolving conflict. The word emphasizes a definitive temporal limit, not just a gradual fading.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4:26. It appears in a moral exhortation, using the daily, observable event of sunset to create a vivid, practical rule for Christian conduct. The context is ethical instruction within the Christian community, urging believers not to let anger fester overnight.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') combined with the verb δύω (dyō, 'to sink' or 'to set'). The compound form intensifies the sense of the sun sinking *upon* the horizon or the day. It is closely related to the more common verb δύω (G1416) and its aorist form ἔδυ (used in Mark 1:32).
Semantic Range
Though used only once, ἐπιδύω is theologically significant for its role in a key ethical command. It underscores the Christian imperative for timely reconciliation and the management of emotion within the covenant community. Understanding the Greek reinforces that anger itself is not condemned, but its prolonged, unaddressed harboring is. The setting sun provides a God-ordained, daily rhythm for practicing forgiveness and preventing sin from gaining a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27).
In the ancient Mediterranean world, the sunset was a crucial daily marker, as artificial light was limited. The end of the day's light signaled a natural stopping point for labor and disputes. The command to resolve anger before sunset would have been a practical and memorable guideline, rooted in the tangible rhythm of agrarian life, contrasting with modern, 24-hour cycles.
δύω (dyō, G1416) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to sink' or 'set,' without the compounded sense of 'upon.' δύνομαι (dynomai) — A related verb form also meaning 'to set' (of the sun).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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