ἐπιλαμβάνω (epilambanō)
epilambanō
to catch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epilambanō describes taking hold of something, often with urgency or force. In the New Testament it appears in eighteen verses, primarily within Luke’s writings and Acts. It conveys a physical grasping, such as when Jesus catches Peter sinking in the water (Matthew 14:31) or when Paul is seized by a mob in Jerusalem (Acts 21:30). The word implies an active intervention to seize control of a situation or person.
Its usage extends beyond physical contact into spiritual rescue. In Hebrews, the author notes that Jesus does not take hold of angels but rather of Abraham’s descendants (Hebrews 2:16), highlighting His identification with humanity in its weakness. The term also appears metaphorically for laying hold of eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12), suggesting a firm, determined grasp on divine promises rather than a passive acceptance.
Etymologically, the word combines a preposition meaning "upon" with a verb for "taking." This structure emphasizes the immediacy and directness of the action. Translators often render it as "take hold of," "seize," or "catch," depending on context. The consistent thread is purposeful contact aimed at rescue, support, or possession.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epilambanō describes a firm, active taking hold of something or someone. In the New Testament, it often appears in moments of urgent need or decisive action. Jesus uses this physical grasp to rescue Peter from sinking waves, showing that divine help is immediate and personal. It reminds us that God does not merely observe our struggles from afar but reaches out to steady us when we feel we are falling.
This sense of seizing also applies to spiritual realities. The Apostle Paul urges believers to take hold of eternal life, framing faith not as a passive hope but as a determined embrace of God’s promises. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews notes that Jesus identifies with human weakness rather than angelic power, choosing to support those who are fragile and finite.
Whether it is a physical rescue or a spiritual commitment, this word highlights the importance of active engagement with God. It invites you to trust in His strength when yours runs out, and to hold fast to the life He offers with confidence and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having taken hold of3×
- Having taken hold2×
- took hold1×
- to catch Him in1×
- they may take hold1×
- they may catch1×
- of having taken hold of1×
- laid hold1×
- having taken hold [of him]1×
- having taken1×
- having laid hold on1×
- having laid hold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιλαβόμενος5×
- ἐπιλαβόμενοι3×
- ἐπιλάβωνται2×
- ἐπελάβετο2×
- Ἐπιλαβόμενοί1×
- Ἐπιλαβόμενοι1×
- ἐπιλαμβάνεται.1×
- ἐπιλαμβάνεται,1×
- ἐπιλαβέσθαι1×
- ἐπιλαβοῦ1×
- ἐπιλαβομένου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This verse shows Jesus actively catching Peter mid-sink, demonstrating that divine rescue is immediate when faith wavers.
-
Hebrews 2:16
For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham.
Here the word clarifies that Christ’s help is specifically directed toward human descendants, emphasizing His solidarity with our fragility.
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I Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
Paul uses this term metaphorically to urge believers to actively seize eternal life as a decisive act of faith rather than a passive state.
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Acts 21:30
All the city was moved and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
This occurrence illustrates the violent, urgent nature of the word when a mob seizes Paul, highlighting the physical danger surrounding his ministry.