ἐπιχέω (epicheō)
epicheō
to pour on/over
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epicheō means to pour liquid over or onto something. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 10:34, where the Good Samaritan uses oil and wine to treat a traveler’s wounds. The image is one of active care, involving the direct application of healing substances to an injured person.
Its meaning comes from combining the prefix epi, indicating position or direction, with cheo, which simply means to pour. This construction emphasizes the action of covering or saturating the target area. In the Septuagint, this word often translates Hebrew terms for pouring out offerings or liquids, linking it to ritual acts as well as physical care.
Translators typically render epicheō as "poured on" or "poured upon." The singular usage in Luke highlights a moment of practical compassion. The Samaritan does not merely offer advice; he applies treatment directly to the victim’s skin, demonstrating that true neighborly love involves tangible, hands-on intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epicheō describes a simple but powerful action: pouring liquid over something. In Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan uses this act to care for a wounded traveler. He does not just offer sympathy from a distance. Instead, he pours oil and wine directly onto the man’s wounds. This physical touch shows that love often requires getting close enough to help in a practical way.
When we face those who are hurting, it is easy to feel helpless or to offer only words. This verse reminds us that true compassion involves hands-on care. It might be as simple as bringing food, helping with chores, or sitting quietly with someone in pain. God calls us to be neighbors who do not walk by on the other side, but who stop to pour out their time and resources for others.
May you find opportunities this week to show love through tangible acts of kindness. Let your actions reflect the same care that the Samaritan showed, bringing comfort to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pouring on1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιχέων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:34
came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where the verb highlights the Samaritan's direct physical application of healing substances to demonstrate active mercy.