ἐπισχύω (epischuō)
epischuō
to insist
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epischuō describes a process of gaining strength or becoming more intense. Derived from roots meaning "upon" and "to hold," it literally suggests holding on with added force. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 23:5, where the chief priests and scribes use it to describe their escalating accusations against Jesus.
Here, the term captures a sense of urgency that grows as the situation develops. The sources indicate that the crowd’s insistence did not remain static; it intensified with each new charge. This usage highlights how opposition can build momentum, turning initial grievances into a relentless campaign.
Translators typically render this action as "insisted" or "persisted," reflecting the increasing pressure applied by the accusers. The word underscores the dynamic nature of their hostility, showing how their arguments became more forceful and determined over time rather than remaining fixed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face opposition or misunderstanding, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the growing weight of criticism. The word epischuō captures this dynamic perfectly, describing how accusations can gain momentum and intensity over time. In Luke 23:5, we see this clearly as the chief priests and scribes escalate their charges against Jesus, turning initial grievances into a relentless campaign. Their insistence did not remain static; it grew stronger with each new claim.
This biblical insight offers comfort when you feel the pressure of persistent negativity in your own life. It reminds us that hostility often builds on itself, but it also highlights the steadfastness required to stand firm in truth. Jesus faced escalating opposition yet remained focused on His mission. You can draw strength from this example, knowing that even when voices rise against you, your calling remains clear and grounded in God’s purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were insisting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίσχυον1×
Key Verses
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Luke 23:5
But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”
The accusers' charges escalate from general unrest to specific geographic claims, showing how their hostility intensifies rather than remaining fixed.