ἐπισκιάζω (episkiazō)
episkiazō
to overshadow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb episkiazō means to cast a shadow over or to overshadow something. In the New Testament, it describes a tangible presence that covers or envelops. The word appears in five verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels, where it conveys a sense of divine intervention through physical imagery.
Its most striking usage occurs during the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, and Luke 9:34, a bright cloud overshadows Jesus and his disciples. This image echoes Old Testament themes where God’s glory fills the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:35). The shadow here is not darkness but a protective covering of divine majesty that silences fear and commands attention.
The word also appears in Luke 1:35, where the angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her. This metaphorical use suggests a creative, life-giving power rather than mere concealment. Translators typically render it simply as "overshadow," preserving the concrete image of God’s presence resting upon a person or place.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word episkiazō, meaning to overshadow, paints a picture of God’s presence not as a distant force, but as an intimate covering. In Luke 1:35, the angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her. This image is not about hiding or concealment; it is about being enveloped by divine power and protection. It suggests that when God moves in our lives, He does so with a gentle yet mighty care that sustains us.
We see this same word used at the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:5 and Mark 9:7, where a bright cloud overshadows Jesus and His disciples. This overshadowing was not a sign of fear, but of divine majesty resting upon them. It reminds us that God’s presence can be both awe-inspiring and comforting. Like Mary, we are invited to rest in the shadow of His wings, knowing that His power is at work within us.
Even in Acts 5:15, people hoped that Peter’s shadow might overshadow them, showing how deeply this concept of divine presence touched early Christian life. It was a tangible hope that God’s power could touch and heal through those who followed Him. This word invites us to trust that we are never alone, but constantly covered by the care of our Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will overshadow1×
- was overshadowing1×
- shall envelop1×
- overshadowing1×
- overshadowed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισκιάσῃ1×
- ἐπισκιάσει1×
- ἐπισκιάζουσα1×
- ἐπεσκίασεν1×
- ἐπεσκίαζεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:35
The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
This verse uses the word metaphorically to describe the Holy Spirit’s creative power in Mary’s conception, highlighting a life-giving divine intervention.
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Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
Here the overshadowing cloud signals the Father’s affirmation of Jesus, marking a moment of divine revelation and authority.
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Mark 9:7
A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
The cloud overshadows the disciples to command their attention and obedience to Jesus, emphasizing His unique sonship.