ἐπισφαλής (episphalēs)
episphalēs
dangerous/unsteady
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective episphalēs describes something that is prone to falling or dangerously unstable. Its meaning comes from a root related to tripping or stumbling, suggesting a physical lack of footing that leads to danger. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 27:9, where Paul warns the crew about continuing their voyage.
The context makes the sense clear: the season for sailing had passed, and the sea conditions were unsafe. The word captures the precariousness of the situation, highlighting that proceeding further would be risky because the ground beneath them was not secure. Translators typically render it as "dangerous" or "hazardous," focusing on the threat posed by the instability.
This single usage shows how the term bridges physical danger and moral or situational risk. It is not just about a slippery surface, but about an environment where failure is likely if one does not change course. The word serves as a vivid reminder that some paths are unsafe not because of malice, but because of inherent instability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word episphalēs describes a condition of being dangerously unstable, like footing that is prone to giving way beneath your feet. In Acts 27:9, it captures the specific moment when Paul warns his companions that continuing their voyage is unsafe because the season for sailing has passed. This is not merely about bad weather; it is about an environment where failure is likely if one does not change course.
For your faith, this offers a gentle reminder to recognize when circumstances are inherently unstable. Sometimes we press forward out of habit or pressure, but true wisdom involves pausing when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. It invites you to trust that stepping back or waiting is not weakness, but a prudent response to reality.
May you find peace in knowing that God provides clarity for these moments. When paths feel precarious, look for the wisdom to adjust your course rather than forcing your way through danger.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dangerous1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισφαλοῦς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:9
When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them
This occurrence matters because it uses episphalēs to describe a voyage that has become unsafe due to the passing of the sailing season, highlighting a practical warning against proceeding into danger.