ἐπιλείπω

I fail, fall short

Definition

The verb ἐπιλείπω means 'to fail,' 'to run out,' or 'to fall short.' It carries the sense of something being insufficient or coming to an end, often in a context of scarcity or limitation. In its single New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 11:32, it is used in the negative (οὐκ ἐπιλείψει) to express the idea that time will not 'run out' or 'fail' to tell of the deeds of the faithful. This usage emphasizes abundance and sufficiency rather than lack. The word can imply a deficiency in quantity or a failure to meet a necessary standard.

Biblical Usage

ἐπιλείπω is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:32. Here, the author, speaking of the heroes of faith, says, 'And what more shall I say? For time would fail me (οὐκ ἐπιλείψει) to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.' The word is used in the future tense to personify 'time' as something that could potentially run out or be insufficient for the task of narration. This singular usage is literary and rhetorical, highlighting the vast number of faithful examples.

Etymology

ἐπιλείπω is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'in addition') and the verb λείπω (leipō, meaning 'to leave,' 'to lack,' or 'to be wanting'). The prefix ἐπί can intensify the root meaning, giving the sense of 'failing completely' or 'failing upon' a situation. The root λείπω is related to words like λοιπός (loipos, 'remaining') and conveys a core idea of leaving behind or experiencing a lack.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, ἐπιλείπω in Hebrews 11:32 contributes to a key theological theme: the sufficiency of God's faithfulness as demonstrated through history. The author rhetorically claims that human time and speech are insufficient (would 'fail') to recount all the acts of faith, pointing to the overwhelming abundance of God's work through his people. This subtly contrasts human limitation with divine abundance and encourages the reader to see their own story as part of this vast, un-narratable tapestry of faith.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of something 'failing' or 'running out'—especially time, resources, or words—was a common rhetorical device used by orators and historians to convey the magnitude of a subject. The author of Hebrews employs this familiar literary technique to impress upon the audience the immense scope of salvation history and the cloud of witnesses that precedes them, framing limited human capacity against the boundless acts of God.

λείπω (leipō, G3007) — The simpler root meaning 'to lack' or 'be wanting,' without the intensive prefix. ὑστερέω (hystereō, G5302) — Means 'to fall short,' 'lack,' or 'be inferior,' often in a qualitative or spiritual sense (e.g., Romans 3:23). ἐκλείπω (ekleipō, G1587) — Means 'to fail' or 'die out,' as of a light going out; used in Luke 22:32 for faith not 'failing.'

Word Details

Scripture References