ἐπιχειρέω (epicheireō)
epicheireō
to attempt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epicheireō means to take something into one’s hands, specifically to attempt or undertake a course of action. Its literal sense comes from its roots: epi ("upon") and cheir ("hand"). This imagery suggests physically grasping a task and beginning the work. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
It describes the active effort to do something, often with a sense of initiative. For example, Zechariah is described as serving God righteously before his son’s birth (Luke 1:6), while later, Jewish exorcists attempt to use Jesus’ name without authority (Acts 19:13). The word captures the moment of starting an endeavor, whether successful or not.
Unlike words that imply mere wishing or passive hope, epicheireō involves concrete action. It is used for deliberate attempts, such as when Paul’s companions tried to stop him from going to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). The term highlights human effort and the beginning of a task, leaving the outcome open.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epicheireō paints a vivid picture of taking a task into your own hands. It comes from roots meaning 'upon' and 'hand,' suggesting the physical act of grasping an opportunity or challenge and beginning to work. This is not a passive hope or a vague wish; it is deliberate, concrete action. When we read about people who 'attempted' something in Scripture, we see individuals stepping forward with initiative, whether they succeed or fail.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that God often meets us in the midst of our efforts. It encourages you to take the next step in obedience, trusting that your willingness to try is seen and valued. Whether you are starting a new project, facing a difficult conversation, or serving in your community, epicheireō validates the courage it takes to begin. You do not need to have the outcome secured; you only need to place your hands on the task at hand.
Even when attempts seem risky or uncertain, as with the itinerant exorcists in Acts who tried Jesus' name without authority, the word highlights the reality of human agency. It invites us to act faithfully while acknowledging that the final result rests with God. This balance allows us to work diligently without being paralyzed by the fear of failure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undertook1×
- they were seeking1×
- Attempted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐπεχείρησαν1×
- ἐπεχείρουν1×
- ἐπεχείρησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:1
Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
Luke uses this word to describe his own careful effort to compile an orderly account, showing that serious study and writing are valid forms of attempting a noble task.
-
Acts 19:13
But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
This verse illustrates the danger of attempting spiritual authority without genuine relationship, as itinerant exorcists tried to invoke Jesus' name merely as a formula.