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ἐπί (epi)

epi

upon/to/against

G1909 · Greek · New Testament · 792 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
792 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The preposition epi is a versatile word that primarily conveys superposition, meaning "upon" or "on." Its core sense involves being placed on top of something, as seen when Jesus teaches his followers to pray for God’s will to be done "on earth" (Matthew 6:10) or when the centurion places a sign above Jesus’ head on the cross (Luke 23:38). This physical positioning often extends metaphorically to indicate authority or control, such as when believers are promised power over nations (Revelation 2:26).

Its meaning shifts subtly depending on the grammatical case it governs. With the genitive, it often marks location or time, such as events occurring "in the days of" a specific ruler (Acts 11:28). The dative case typically indicates rest or proximity, placing an object "by" the sea (John 6:9) or "at" a gate. The accusative case, which appears most frequently in the New Testament, suggests direction or motion toward a target, often translated as "against" or "upon" in contexts of conflict or arrival.

Because epi is so common, translators must choose carefully from a wide range of English equivalents, including "on," "in," "at," "by," and "over." This flexibility allows the word to anchor narratives in specific physical spaces while simultaneously carrying theological weight regarding authority and presence. Its frequent use across Acts, Luke, and Revelation highlights its role in grounding divine actions within historical and geographical reality.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word epi often describes physical placement, like a house built on rock or rain falling upon the earth. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus uses this imagery to show that hearing His words and acting on them provides a stable foundation. When storms come, that solid base keeps us standing firm.

It also carries the sense of authority or presence. In Matthew 9:6, Jesus speaks of having authority on earth to forgive sins, linking divine power directly to human reality. This reminds us that God’s will is not distant but actively present in our lives.

Whether it marks location, time, or direction, epi helps ground spiritual truths in tangible experiences. It invites us to see how God’s presence rests upon us and how we are called to build our lives on what is enduring rather than temporary.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 792 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • upon252×
  • on198×
  • to76×
  • in58×
  • over55×
  • at54×
  • against37×
  • for34×
  • before20×
  • by9×
  • with7×
  • together7×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἐπὶ667×
  • ἐπ᾽150×
  • ἐφ᾽84×
  • ἐπί4×
  • Ἐπὶ2×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 7:24
    “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

    This verse uses epi to describe the foundation of a wise life, showing that obedience creates stability against life's storms.

  • Matthew 9:6
    But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”

    Here epi indicates the sphere of Jesus' authority on earth, linking His divine power to the tangible act of forgiving sins.

  • Matthew 5:45
    that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

    The word highlights God's impartial care, as rain falls upon both the just and unjust, demonstrating universal provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does epi mean in the New Testament?

Epi is a versatile preposition primarily meaning "upon," "on," or "over." Its specific translation depends on the grammatical case it governs, ranging from physical location to authority or direction.

How is epi different from other Greek prepositions?

Unlike simpler prepositions, epi changes meaning based on whether it takes the genitive, dative, or accusative case. This allows it to express rest, motion toward, or superposition with great nuance.

Where does epi appear in key Bible passages?

It appears frequently, such as in Matthew 7:24 where Jesus builds a house on rock, and Matthew 9:6 where He exercises authority on earth. These examples show its use for both foundation and power.

Every Occurrence (792 verses across 26 books)

Matthew 111 verses
Matthew 1:11

Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

Matthew 2:22

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…

Matthew 3:7

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,…

Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Matthew 3:16

Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…

Matthew 4:5

Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,

Matthew 4:6

and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…

Matthew 5:15

Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the…

Matthew 5:23

“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,

Matthew 5:45

that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and…

Matthew 6:10

Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:19

“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and…

Matthew 6:27

“Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?

Matthew 7:24

“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on…

Matthew 7:25

The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded…

Matthew 7:26

Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Matthew 7:28

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,

Matthew 9:2

Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…

Matthew 9:6

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic),…

Matthew 9:9

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him,…

Matthew 9:15

Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will…

Matthew 9:16

No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse…

Matthew 9:18

While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…

Matthew 10:13

If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 10:18

Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

Matthew 10:21

“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause…

Matthew 10:27

What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

Matthew 10:29

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.

Matthew 10:34

“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 12:18

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…

Matthew 12:26

If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Matthew 12:28

But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.

Matthew 12:49

He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!

Matthew 13:2

Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.

Matthew 13:5

Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no…

Matthew 13:7

Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them.

Matthew 13:8

Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.

Matthew 13:14

In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;…

Matthew 13:20

What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;

Matthew 13:23

What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and…

Matthew 13:48

which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…

Matthew 14:8

She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”

Matthew 14:11

His head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother.

Matthew 14:14

Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14:19

He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…

Matthew 14:25

In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

Matthew 14:26

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.

Matthew 14:28

Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”

Matthew 14:29

He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.

Matthew 15:32

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…

Matthew 15:35

He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;

Matthew 16:18

I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail…

Matthew 16:19

I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven;…

Matthew 17:6

When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.

Matthew 18:5

Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

Matthew 18:12

“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go…

Matthew 18:13

If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…

Matthew 18:16

But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…

Matthew 18:18

Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you…

Matthew 18:19

Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be…

Matthew 18:26

The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’

Matthew 18:29

“So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’

Matthew 19:9

I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he…

Matthew 19:28

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…

Matthew 21:5

“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a…

Matthew 21:7

and brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them.

Matthew 21:19

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…

Matthew 21:44

He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it will fall, it will scatter him as dust.”

Matthew 22:5

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;

Matthew 22:9

Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’

Matthew 22:33

When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

Matthew 22:34

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

Matthew 23:2

saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.

Matthew 23:4

For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will…

Matthew 23:9

Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.

Matthew 23:35

that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of…

Matthew 23:36

Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Matthew 24:2

But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…

Matthew 24:3

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…

Matthew 24:5

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.

Matthew 24:7

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes…

Matthew 24:17

Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house.

Matthew 24:30

and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…

Matthew 24:33

Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.

Matthew 24:45

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due…

Matthew 24:47

Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has.

Matthew 25:20

He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…

Matthew 25:21

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…

Matthew 25:22

“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…

Matthew 25:23

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…

Matthew 25:31

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his…

Matthew 25:40

“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,…

Matthew 25:45

“Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these,…

Matthew 26:7

a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the…

Matthew 26:12

For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Matthew 26:39

He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…

Matthew 26:50

Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Matthew 26:55

In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…

Matthew 26:64

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…

Matthew 27:19

While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…

Matthew 27:25

All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”

Matthew 27:27

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.

Matthew 27:29

They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him…

Matthew 27:35

When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,

Matthew 27:42

“He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we…

Matthew 27:43

He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

Matthew 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

Matthew 28:14

If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.”

Matthew 28:18

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Mark 72 verses
Luke 142 verses
John 34 verses
Acts 155 verses
Romans 27 verses
I Corinthians 17 verses
II Corinthians 21 verses
Galatians 6 verses
Ephesians 10 verses
Philippians 7 verses
Colossians 6 verses
I Thessalonians 5 verses
II Thessalonians 4 verses
I Timothy 7 verses
II Timothy 5 verses
Titus 2 verses
Philemon 2 verses
Hebrews 27 verses
James 8 verses
I Peter 8 verses
II Peter 3 verses
I John 1 verse
III John 1 verse
Jude 1 verse
Revelation of John 110 verses