ἐπεγείρω (epegeirō)
epegeirō
to awaken/rouse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epegeirō means to rouse up or stir into action, often with a sense of agitation. It is formed from the prefix epi ("upon") and geiro ("to wake"), suggesting a forceful awakening rather than a gentle one. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the book of Acts, where it describes people being incited to opposition.
In Acts 13:50, the word is used when hostile Jews "stir up" persecution against Paul and Barnabas. Similarly, in Acts 14:2, it describes how unbelieving Jews "excite" the minds of the Gentiles, poisoning their attitudes against the apostles. The term carries a negative connotation here, implying that an external force is provoking others to hostility or unrest.
Translators typically render this word as "stir up," "incite," or "persuade" in these contexts. It highlights the dynamic of social conflict, where leaders or groups actively provoke others against a shared cause. The word underscores the active role of those who seek to turn public opinion or action against the early Christian message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epegeirō describes a forceful stirring, often used in Acts to show how opposition was incited against the early church. It reminds us that spreading the gospel can provoke strong resistance from those who wish to maintain the status quo or protect their own influence.
When you face misunderstanding or hostility for your faith, this word offers a sobering perspective: conflict is not always a sign of failure, but sometimes a natural reaction to truth that challenges existing power structures. Paul and Barnabas were thrown out of cities not because they did something wrong, but because their message disrupted comfortable lies.
This reality invites us to stand firm with courage and grace. Instead of retaliating when stirred up against us, we remember that our calling is to speak truth in love, trusting God to handle the hearts of those who oppose us. Your steadfastness in the face of such agitation is a powerful witness to the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they stirred up1×
- stirred up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπήγειραν2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.
This verse shows the word describing how religious leaders actively provoked civic authorities and prominent women to expel Paul and Barnabas, highlighting the social cost of preaching.
-
Acts 14:2
But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
Here the term illustrates how unbelieving Jews poisoned the minds of Gentiles against the brothers, showing the word's use in inciting spiritual hostility through slander.