ἐπιβιβάζω (epibibazō)
epibibazō
to mount
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epibibazō describes the physical act of placing someone or something onto a mount, such as a horse or donkey. It is not used for riding oneself, but specifically for causing another to be seated on an animal. This distinction highlights a service-oriented action where one person facilitates the transport of another.
In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within Luke and Acts. In Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan places the wounded traveler onto his own beast to ensure safe passage. Similarly, in Luke 19:35 and Acts 23:24, disciples and officials respectively place Jesus and Paul onto animals for travel or official transport.
The term underscores the practical reality of ancient travel, where assistance was often necessary for those unable to move under their own power. By focusing on the act of loading rather than riding, the word emphasizes care and logistical support in biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epibibazō describes a specific act of care: lifting someone onto an animal for transport. It is not about riding, but about helping another person who cannot travel on their own. This verb appears only three times in the New Testament, always highlighting a moment where one person takes practical responsibility for another’s safety and comfort.
In Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan uses this action to show that love is not just a feeling but a physical effort. He does not merely offer advice; he ensures the wounded man is securely placed on his beast. This same pattern appears when Jesus’ followers prepare the colt for Him in Luke 19:35 and when Roman soldiers provide mounts for Paul in Acts 23:24. In each case, the act of mounting is a sign of service.
For your faith, this word reminds us that true compassion often involves getting our hands dirty. It calls us to look for those who are weary or injured and offer practical help. Whether it is carrying a burden or simply providing a ride, we are invited to be the ones who lift others up, reflecting the care Christ shows to His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they put on [it]1×
- having set upon [them]1×
- having put1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιβιβάσας1×
- ἐπιβιβάσαντες1×
- ἐπεβίβασαν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:34
came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
This verse defines the word’s moral weight by showing the Samaritan actively securing the wounded man on his animal, turning abstract mercy into tangible relief.
-
Luke 19:35
Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them.
Here the disciples place Jesus on the colt, demonstrating that even the Lord accepted this form of humble service from His followers.
-
Acts 23:24
He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
The Roman commander orders mounts for Paul to ensure his safe transport, showing how this word can describe official protection and logistical care.