ἐπανίστημι (epanistēmi)
epanistēmi
to rebel against
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epanistēmi describes a violent rising up against someone or something, carrying the sense of rebellion or insurrection. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus uses it to depict the intense social and familial fractures that will accompany his ministry.
In Matthew 10:21 and Mark 13:12, the word illustrates how brother will betray brother and father against child. This usage highlights a breakdown of natural loyalty, where even close kin turn hostile. The term implies an active, aggressive stance rather than mere disagreement, capturing the chaos of conflict within the home itself.
Its root combines "upon" or "against" with "to stand," suggesting one who takes a position of opposition. This imagery of standing up in defiance underscores the seriousness of the division Jesus predicts, marking it as a significant sign of the times rather than a simple personal dispute.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jesus spoke plainly about the cost of following Him, acknowledging that loyalty to His truth can fracture even the closest family ties. The word epanistēmi describes a violent rising up, a standing in active opposition against one’s own kin. It is not merely disagreement or distance; it is a hostile stance where children rise against parents and brothers betray one another. This imagery captures the deep social upheaval that can accompany a life fully committed to the Gospel.
While this reality is sobering, it also reveals the supreme value of Christ above all earthly bonds. When family loyalty conflicts with faithfulness to God, the call is clear. Yet, this passage does not encourage division for its own sake. Instead, it prepares believers for the persecution they may face, reminding us that our ultimate identity and safety are found in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will rise up2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπαναστήσονται2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:21
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
This verse uses epanistēmi to depict children actively rising up against parents, illustrating the intense familial betrayal Jesus warned would accompany His ministry.
-
Mark 13:12
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
Here the same term highlights how brother will deliver up brother and father his child, emphasizing the severe social fragmentation expected in the end times.