ἐμπίπτω (empiptō)
empiptō
to fall into
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb empiptō literally means to fall into a place or situation, often carrying a sense of suddenness or lack of control. It describes being caught in circumstances one did not choose, such as falling into the hands of enemies or stumbling into danger. The New Testament uses it in vivid images like a man falling into a pit (Matthew 12:11) or a traveler falling among robbers (Luke 10:30), highlighting vulnerability and unexpected peril.
In epistolary contexts, particularly in First Timothy, the word shifts to metaphorical usage. It describes believers falling into specific spiritual or social traps. Paul warns that pride can lead an overseer to fall into reproach (1 Timothy 3:7), while the love of money causes some to fall into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). This usage emphasizes how certain attitudes or desires can trap a person in negative outcomes.
The term combines the preposition em- ("in") with piptō ("to fall"), reinforcing the idea of entering a state or condition. Translators typically render it as "fall into" or "fall into temptation," preserving the physical imagery to describe spiritual realities. Its frequent appearance in warnings underscores the Christian understanding that moral failures often begin with being caught in situations beyond one's immediate control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word empiptō captures the sudden, often unexpected nature of falling into a situation. Whether it describes a sheep tumbling into a pit or a traveler encountering robbers, the imagery highlights human vulnerability. We do not always choose the circumstances we face; sometimes life places us in positions of danger or difficulty without warning.
In the New Testament, this word also warns against spiritual traps. Paul notes that pride can lead to reproach and that the love of money brings ruin. These are not just physical dangers but states of being that catch us off guard. The text invites us to recognize these patterns before they take hold, encouraging a life marked by humility and contentment.
Understanding this word helps us see how easily we can be caught in situations beyond our control. It reminds us that while we cannot always prevent the fall, we can prepare our hearts against the pride and greed that make such falls more likely. This awareness fosters a gentle reliance on God’s guidance rather than our own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he may fall2×
- will fall in?1×
- to fall1×
- they fall1×
- shall fall1×
- falling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμπέσῃ3×
- ἐμπίπτουσιν1×
- ἐμπεσόντος1×
- ἐμπεσοῦνται;¶1×
- ἐμπεσεῖν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:11
He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won’t he grab on to it and lift it out?
This verse uses the physical image of falling into a pit to illustrate how compassion for immediate need should override rigid legalism on the Sabbath.
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Luke 10:36
Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?”
Here the term identifies the victim in the parable, emphasizing his sudden vulnerability and the unexpected nature of his peril among robbers.
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I Timothy 6:9
But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
Paul applies the word metaphorically to show how the desire for wealth actively draws people into a snare of ruin rather than passive misfortune.