ἐπιρρίπτω (epirriptō)
epirriptō
to throw on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epirriptō describes the physical act of casting or placing something upon another object. Its components suggest a motion of throwing onto a surface, combining the idea of "upon" with "to throw." In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, yet it carries significant narrative weight in both instances.
In Luke 19:35, the disciples place their cloaks on colts for Jesus to ride, fulfilling the imagery of a king’s entry. The action is practical and respectful, marking the animal as set apart for a specific purpose. In 1 Peter 5:7, the meaning shifts metaphorically; believers are urged to cast all their anxieties onto God. Here, the word conveys a deliberate transfer of burden, suggesting that worries are heavy loads meant to be laid down rather than carried.
Translators typically render this verb as "cast" or "place," depending on whether the context is literal or figurative. The consistency lies in the act of transferring weight from one party to another. Whether it is a garment for a donkey or a worry for God, the word emphasizes the relief found in letting go of what was being held.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epirriptō describes a simple but powerful physical action: throwing or placing something onto another object. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance highlights a moment of significant transition. Whether it involves laying a cloak on an animal for a king or surrendering a heavy burden to God, the core idea remains the same—transferring weight from yourself to someone else.
In Luke 19:35, the disciples place their cloaks on a colt for Jesus. This was a practical gesture of honor, setting aside what they owned to make room for His presence. It shows us that preparing space for Christ often requires letting go of our own comforts and priorities. We clear the way by offering what we have.
In 1 Peter 5:7, the meaning shifts to our inner lives. We are invited to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. This is not a passive act but a deliberate release of the heavy loads we carry. When we stop trying to hold everything together ourselves, we find rest in His care. Letting go is an act of trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having cast2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιρίψαντες2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 19:35
Then they brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on them.
This verse shows the literal use of the word as disciples physically place cloaks on a colt to honor Jesus, marking Him as King.
-
I Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Here the word is used metaphorically to urge believers to actively transfer their heavy anxieties onto God, who cares for them.