ἐπιδίδωμι (epididōmi)
epididōmi
to give/deliver
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epididōmi describes the physical act of handing something over to another person. It appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. The word emphasizes the transfer of an object or person from one hand to another, such as when Jesus asks his disciples if they would give a fish instead of a snake (Matthew 7:10). This concrete imagery grounds the concept of giving in tangible reality.
In these passages, the focus is often on the reliability of God’s provision. Luke uses it to describe how Jesus was handed over to those who wanted him (Luke 4:30), highlighting a loss of control. Conversely, Acts records believers sending aid to others by handing it over directly (Acts 15:30). The word captures both the generosity of giving and the gravity of surrendering something into another’s care.
Its root combines a prefix meaning "upon" with a verb for "giving," suggesting a deliberate, direct transfer. Translators often render it simply as "give" or "hand over." This precision reminds readers that biblical giving is not abstract but involves real objects and real people in specific moments of trust.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epididōmi captures the simple, physical act of handing something over. It is not a distant or abstract transaction but a direct transfer from one hand to another. In Matthew 7:10, Jesus uses this concrete image to show that God’s giving is as reliable and tangible as a father providing fish for his son. This reminds us that our faith rests on real provision, not vague hopes.
Yet the word also carries weight when used in contexts of surrender. In Luke 4:17, the scroll is handed to Jesus, marking a moment of divine assignment. Similarly, Acts 15:30 describes believers delivering aid to others, showing how this act connects communities. Whether receiving grace or extending help, epididōmi grounds our spiritual life in the reality of trust and tangible care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will he give5×
- they gave1×
- they delivered1×
- there was given1×
- having given way1×
- He was giving [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιδώσει4×
- ἐπέδωκαν2×
- ἐπιδώσει;1×
- ἐπιδόντες1×
- ἐπεδόθη1×
- ἐπεδίδου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:10
Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?
Jesus uses this word to illustrate the tangible reliability of God's provision, contrasting good gifts with harmful substitutes.
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Luke 4:17
The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
The physical handing over of Isaiah’s scroll marks the moment Jesus begins his public ministry, emphasizing divine appointment through concrete action.
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Acts 15:30
So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
This occurrence highlights the practical outworking of church unity, where believers deliver a letter to strengthen another community.