ἐπάγω (epagō)
epagō
to bring upon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epagō means to bring something upon a person, often carrying the weight of causing an event or burden to fall on someone. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, yet each instance highlights a serious consequence being imposed. It is not a neutral arrival but an active bringing of a specific outcome, frequently one that is adverse or burdensome.
Its usage underscores personal responsibility for dire results. In Acts 5:28, the religious leaders accuse the apostles of intending to "bring blood" upon them by teaching in Jesus’ name, echoing the language used against Joseph in Genesis. Similarly, in 2 Peter, those who follow false teachers are said to bring destruction upon themselves (2 Peter 2:1), and Noah is described as condemning the world by his faithfulness (2 Peter 2:5). The word links action directly to inevitable consequence.
Etymologically, it combines a preposition indicating "upon" with a verb for "leading" or "bringing." This structure emphasizes that the result is not accidental but directed. Translators typically render it as "bring upon" or "bring on," preserving the sense of something being laid over someone else’s head as a direct outcome of their actions or circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐπὶγω reminds us that our choices carry weight. It describes bringing something upon another, often with serious consequences. In Acts 5:28, the religious leaders feared the apostles would bring bloodguilt on them by preaching Jesus. This shows how actions can have heavy, unintended results.
We see similar themes in Peter’s letters. False teachers bring destruction on themselves by rejecting Christ (2 Peter 2:1). Noah, as a preacher of righteousness, saw judgment come upon the ungodly world (2 Peter 2:5). These examples show that our path leads to specific outcomes.
This word encourages careful living. It is not about fear but awareness. Your faith and actions matter. They shape your life and those around you. Trust in God’s guidance, knowing He directs the final outcome toward good for those who love Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to bring1×
- having brought in,1×
- bringing upon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπάξας,1×
- ἐπάγοντες1×
- ἐπαγαγεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:28
saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.”
Here the word highlights the leaders' fear that preaching Jesus would bring bloodguilt upon them, showing how their opposition backfired.
-
II Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.
This verse shows false teachers bringing swift destruction on themselves through denial of Christ, emphasizing self-inflicted consequences.
-
II Peter 2:5
and didn’t spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly,
Noah’s faithful preaching brought judgment upon the ungodly world, illustrating how righteousness can lead to condemnation for others.