ἐπιφέρω (epipherō)
epipherō
to inflict
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epipherō means to bring something upon someone, often with a sense of weight or burden. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in contexts involving judgment or accusation. Its core idea is not just physical carrying, but imposing a consequence or charge onto another person.
In Jude 9, the word describes the accuser laying charges against Michael. Here, it carries the force of bringing a legal or hostile claim forward. Similarly, in Romans 3:5, Paul uses it to describe how God’s righteousness brings judgment upon human unrighteousness. The prefix epí suggests direction "upon," while pherō means "to carry." Together, they form an image of something heavy being placed on someone else.
Though rare, this word captures a moment where divine justice meets human action. It is not used for everyday burdens but for significant moral or spiritual consequences. Translators often render it as "impose" or "bring upon," reflecting its formal and weighty tone in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epipherō carries a heavy weight, describing the act of bringing something burdensome or judgmental upon another person. It is not used for light matters but for significant moral consequences, often involving accusation or divine wrath. In Romans 3:5, Paul uses it to ask whether God’s righteousness makes Him unrighteous for inflicting wrath on human sin. This highlights a profound theological tension: God’s justice is real and impactful, yet it never contradicts His holy nature.
In Jude 1:9, we see Michael the archangel refusing to bring an abusive condemnation against the devil. Instead of using his power to heap insult upon insult, he defers to the Lord’s authority. This offers a quiet example for our own lives. When we face conflict or feel wronged, we are not called to lay heavy charges or seek revenge. We can trust that God handles justice with perfect fairness.
Understanding this word reminds us that judgment belongs to God alone. It frees us from the burden of trying to prove ourselves right or punish others. Instead, we rest in the truth that God’s righteousness is always just and His rebuke is final. This peace allows us to walk humbly, leaving room for the Lord to act in ways we cannot foresee.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to bring against [him]1×
- is inflicting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιφέρων1×
- ἐπενεγκεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
Paul uses this word to challenge the idea that God’s justice is flawed because He brings wrath upon sin.
-
Jude 1:9
But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”
Michael refuses to bring an abusive condemnation against the devil, showing restraint in the face of spiritual conflict.