ἐπιβάλλω (epiballō)
epiballō
to put on/seize
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epiballō conveys a sense of forceful action, meaning to lay, cast, or put something upon another. In the New Testament, it frequently describes physical contact, such as placing hands on someone to seize them as a prisoner (Matthew 26:50; Luke 21:12) or putting new cloth on an old garment (Matthew 9:16). The word implies a decisive application of force or attention, whether laying hands on a plow or throwing oneself into a situation.
Its usage often carries a nuance of urgency or suddenness. For instance, it describes waves rushing into a boat (Mark 4:37) or the moment when Peter remembers Jesus’ words and weeps bitterly (Mark 14:72). In Luke 15:12, it takes on a different sense, meaning to fall to one’s share, as in dividing an inheritance. The term captures both the physical act of laying something down and the mental act of focusing intently on a matter.
Etimologically, epiballō combines the prefix epi (“upon”) with ballō (“to throw”). This combination highlights the dynamic nature of the action: it is not merely resting, but actively placing or throwing oneself onto something. Translators render it variously as “lay hands on,” “put on,” or “fall to one’s share,” depending on whether the context involves physical seizure, clothing, or inheritance distribution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epiballō describes a decisive action of laying something upon another or seizing hold of it. In the New Testament, this forceful physical contact often marks moments of crisis, such as when Jesus was arrested or when the apostles were imprisoned. It reminds us that our faith is lived out in tangible ways, sometimes through sudden opposition and other times through intimate connection.
Yet this word also appears in gentle parables about mending a garment or focusing on the plow. These images suggest that God’s work in our lives requires both attention and commitment. Whether we are facing persecution or simply trying to stay focused on following Jesus, He meets us in these concrete moments of daily life.
When we feel overwhelmed by external pressures or internal distractions, we can look to Christ who remained steadfast even when hands were laid upon Him. His example invites us to trust that our focus on Him brings peace, no matter how turbulent the circumstances around us may be.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laid4×
- they laid3×
- were breaking1×
- to lay1×
- they will lay1×
- they do cast1×
- puts [it]1×
- puts1×
- put forth1×
- is due [to me]1×
- having laid1×
- having broken down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέβαλον5×
- ἐπέβαλεν3×
- ἐπιβάλλει2×
- ἐπιβαλὼν2×
- ἐπέβαλλεν1×
- ἐπιβάλω1×
- ἐπιβάλλουσιν1×
- ἐπιβάλλον1×
- ἐπιβαλοῦσιν1×
- ἐπιβαλεῖν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:50
Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
This verse captures the decisive moment of Jesus' arrest, where epiballō describes the physical act of laying hands on Him to seize Him.
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Mark 14:72
The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the words that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
Here the word is used metaphorically for Peter's mind seizing upon Jesus' warning, leading to his bitter repentance.
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Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”
Jesus uses this term to describe putting one's hand to the plow, emphasizing the need for single-minded focus in discipleship.
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Acts 4:3
They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
This occurrence shows the early church facing immediate physical opposition as authorities laid hands on the apostles.
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John 7:30
They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
The text notes that no one could lay hands on Jesus because His time had not yet come, highlighting divine protection.