ἐπιφέρω

I bring forward against

Definition

The verb ἐπιφέρω means 'to bring upon' or 'to impose,' often carrying a sense of applying something to a person or situation, whether physically or metaphorically. In its physical sense, it describes the act of bringing or laying objects upon someone, as seen when handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched Paul were 'brought' to the sick for healing (Acts 19:12). In a legal or argumentative context, it means to bring forward a charge or accusation, as when Tertullus 'brought charges' against Paul (Acts 25:18). Theologically, it can signify bringing forward a logical argument or question, such as Paul's rhetorical query, 'What shall we say?' in Romans 3:5.

Biblical Usage

ἐπιφέρω is used five times in the New Testament across various contexts. In Acts, it appears in narrative accounts of physical action (Acts 19:12) and legal accusation (Acts 25:18). In the epistles, it is used in theological argumentation, posing a rhetorical question (Romans 3:5) and describing the intent to 'bring' or add affliction to imprisonment (Philippians 1:16). The final use is in Jude 1:9, where Michael the archangel did not dare to 'bring' a reviling judgment against the devil. The usage shifts from concrete, physical application to more abstract, judicial, or argumentative imposition.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'against,' and the common verb φέρω (pherō), meaning 'to bear' or 'to bring.' Thus, its core meaning is 'to bear upon' or 'to bring to bear.' This construction emphasizes direction or target—bringing something to rest upon or against an object or person. Related words include προσφέρω (prospherō, G4374) 'to bring to' and ἐκφέρω (ekpherō, G1627) 'to carry out.'

Semantic Range

ἐπιφέρω is theologically significant in passages like Romans 3:5, where it frames a pivotal rhetorical question in Paul's argument about God's righteousness and human unrighteousness. It touches on themes of divine justice, human accusation, and the proper limits of judgment, as seen in Jude 1:9's description of Michael's restraint. Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting how biblical writers 'bring forward' arguments, charges, or even physical means of grace, revealing layers of interaction between God, humanity, and spiritual forces.

In its cultural setting, the legal use of ἐπιφέρω in Acts 25:18 reflects the formal Roman judicial process of bringing accusations. The physical use in Acts 19:12 aligns with common ancient beliefs in contagious holiness or power through objects (like Paul's aprons), a concept familiar in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. The word's flexibility to span physical action and abstract argument was typical of Greek verbs compounded with ἐπί, which could denote direction, addition, or opposition.

προσφέρω (prospherō, G4374) — to bring to or offer, often used for sacrifices or presentations to God. ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi, G2007) — to lay upon or impose, with a stronger sense of physical placement. φέρω (pherō, G5342) — the simple root, to bear or carry, without the directional prefix.

Word Details

Scripture References