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εἶπον (eipon)

eipon

to say

G2036 · Greek · New Testament · 879 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
879 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The word eipon is the second aorist form of the verb legō, meaning "to say" or "to speak." While Greek has many words for speech, this specific past-tense form appears nearly nine hundred times in the New Testament, serving as the standard narrative verb for introducing dialogue. It is the word used when Jesus speaks to his disciples, when crowds react to miracles, and when characters exchange essential information in the Gospel accounts.

Its usage is distinct because it relies on a different stem than the more common present-tense legō. Lexical sources note that eipon functions as a primary verb for completed action, whereas other tenses of "to say" are borrowed from related roots. This form carries a sense of definiteness; when the text uses eipon, it records a specific utterance that has already occurred. For example, in Matthew 16:17, Peter’s confession is introduced with this verb, marking the moment as a fixed point of declaration.

Translators typically render eipon simply as "said" or "spoke," which can sometimes obscure its narrative weight. However, the frequency of its occurrence highlights how central speech is to the Gospel structure. Whether describing a command, a question, or a simple statement, eipon anchors the reader in the actual words exchanged, preserving the directness of the biblical dialogue without adding interpretive commentary.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word eipon appears nearly nine hundred times in the New Testament as the standard past-tense verb for "said." It is the second aorist form of legō, marking a specific, completed act of speech. When you read this word, the text is recording a definite utterance that has already taken place, anchoring the narrative in real dialogue rather than abstract thought.

This simplicity carries significant weight for your faith. It reminds us that God’s communication is not vague or hidden. In passages like Matthew 8:8, the centurion understands that Jesus’ word alone holds power to heal. The directness of eipon invites you to trust that the promises recorded in Scripture are fixed and reliable.

Whether it records a command, a question, or a confession, this verb preserves the exact words exchanged between Jesus and those who met Him. It encourages you to listen closely to what is actually said, knowing that these accounts were carefully preserved for your benefit and encouragement today.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 879 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • said185×
  • He said152×
  • said;92×
  • Said77×
  • he said;43×
  • He said;37×
  • they said29×
  • having said29×
  • they said;25×
  • he said25×
  • said:15×
  • do say13×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • εἶπεν371×
  • εἶπεν·171×
  • Εἶπεν59×
  • εἶπαν50×
  • εἶπαν·43×
  • εἶπον38×
  • εἰπὼν20×
  • εἶπέν17×
  • εἴπῃ16×
  • εἴπατε12×
  • εἰπὲ12×
  • εἶπον·11×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 2:5
    They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,

    This occurrence anchors the prophetic fulfillment in a concrete historical dialogue between the chief priests and King Herod.

  • Matthew 8:8
    The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

    The centurion uses this verb to express his belief that Jesus' spoken word carries inherent authority over illness.

  • Matthew 9:5
    For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?

    Jesus contrasts the visible act of healing with the invisible declaration of forgiveness, using this verb to frame the theological dilemma.

  • Matthew 10:27
    What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

    This verse uses the verb to command the disciples to proclaim openly what they have heard in private, shifting from secrecy to witness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does eipon mean in the New Testament?

Eipon is the second aorist form of the verb legō, meaning "to say" or "to speak." It functions as a past-tense verb indicating a completed action. Translators typically render it simply as "said," but it carries the nuance of a definite, recorded utterance.

How is eipon different from legō?

While legō is the present tense often used for ongoing speech or general statements, eipon marks a specific instance of speaking that has already occurred. It provides a narrative anchor for dialogue, signaling that a particular word was spoken at a definite moment in the story.

Why does this word appear so frequently?

It appears nearly nine hundred times because it is the primary verb used to introduce direct speech in the Gospels. It serves as the standard narrative device for recording conversations between Jesus, his disciples, and other characters, making it essential for understanding the flow of biblical dialogue.

Every Occurrence (879 verses across 16 books)

Matthew 169 verses
Matthew 2:5

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,

Matthew 2:8

He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…

Matthew 2:13

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…

Matthew 3:7

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,…

Matthew 3:15

But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…

Matthew 4:3

The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…

Matthew 4:9

He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”

Matthew 5:11

“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…

Matthew 8:4

Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…

Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…

Matthew 8:13

Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that…

Matthew 8:19

A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Matthew 8:21

Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”

Matthew 8:32

He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the…

Matthew 9:2

Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…

Matthew 9:3

Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.”

Matthew 9:4

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Matthew 9:5

For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?

Matthew 9:12

When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.

Matthew 9:15

Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will…

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was…

Matthew 10:27

What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

Matthew 11:3

and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”

Matthew 11:4

Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

Matthew 11:25

At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…

Matthew 12:2

But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”

Matthew 12:3

But he said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him:

Matthew 12:11

He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day,…

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the…

Matthew 12:25

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every…

Matthew 12:32

Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…

Matthew 12:39

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the…

Matthew 12:47

One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”

Matthew 12:48

But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”

Matthew 12:49

He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!

Matthew 13:10

The disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”

Matthew 13:11

He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.

Matthew 13:27

The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…

Matthew 13:37

He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,

Matthew 13:52

He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…

Matthew 13:57

They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in…

Matthew 14:2

and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.”

Matthew 14:16

But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

Matthew 14:18

He said, “Bring them here to me.”

Matthew 14:28

Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”

Matthew 14:29

He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.

Matthew 15:3

He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to…

Matthew 15:5

But you say, ‘Whoever may tell his father or his mother, “Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a…

Matthew 15:10

He summoned the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand.

Matthew 15:13

But he answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted.

Matthew 15:15

Peter answered him, “Explain the parable to us.”

Matthew 15:16

So Jesus said, “Do you also still not understand?

Matthew 15:24

But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15:26

But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Matthew 15:27

But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was…

Matthew 15:32

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…

Matthew 15:34

Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”

Matthew 16:2

But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’

Matthew 16:6

Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16:8

Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread?

Matthew 16:11

How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees…

Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and…

Matthew 16:14

They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:17

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…

Matthew 16:20

Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 16:23

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and…

Matthew 17:4

Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…

Matthew 17:7

Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”

Matthew 17:9

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the…

Matthew 17:11

Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things;

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

Matthew 17:17

Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…

Matthew 17:19

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”

Matthew 17:22

While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…

Matthew 17:24

When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher…

Matthew 17:26

Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.

Matthew 18:3

and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the…

Matthew 18:17

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as…

Matthew 18:21

Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…

Matthew 19:4

He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

Matthew 19:5

and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall…

Matthew 19:11

But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to…

Matthew 19:16

Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

Matthew 19:17

He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…

Matthew 19:18

He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not…

Matthew 19:23

Jesus said to his disciples, “Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with…

Matthew 19:26

Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:27

Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 19:28

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…

Matthew 20:4

He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way.

Matthew 20:13

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius?

Matthew 20:17

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,

Matthew 20:21

He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand…

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…

Matthew 20:25

But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones…

Matthew 20:32

Jesus stood still and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Matthew 21:3

If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

Matthew 21:5

“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a…

Matthew 21:16

and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth…

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…

Matthew 21:24

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…

Matthew 21:25

The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say,…

Matthew 21:26

But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”

Matthew 21:27

They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do…

Matthew 21:28

But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’

Matthew 21:29

He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.

Matthew 21:30

He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go.

Matthew 21:38

But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and seize his…

Matthew 22:1

Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying,

Matthew 22:4

Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…

Matthew 22:13

Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness. That…

Matthew 22:17

Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

Matthew 22:18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

Matthew 22:24

saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up…

Matthew 22:29

But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

Matthew 22:44

‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?

Matthew 23:3

All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and…

Matthew 23:39

For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Matthew 24:2

But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…

Matthew 24:3

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…

Matthew 24:4

Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.

Matthew 24:23

“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it.

Matthew 24:26

“If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; or ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’…

Matthew 24:48

But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’

Matthew 25:8

The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

Matthew 25:12

But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

Matthew 25:22

“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…

Matthew 25:24

“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…

Matthew 25:26

“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…

Matthew 26:1

When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,

Matthew 26:10

However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.

Matthew 26:15

and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of…

Matthew 26:18

He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the…

Matthew 26:21

As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”

Matthew 26:23

He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.

Matthew 26:25

Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”

Matthew 26:26

As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat;…

Matthew 26:33

But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”

Matthew 26:35

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.

Matthew 26:44

He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

Matthew 26:49

Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Matthew 26:50

Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Matthew 26:55

In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…

Matthew 26:61

and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”

Matthew 26:62

The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…

Matthew 26:64

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…

Matthew 26:66

What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!”

Matthew 26:73

After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…

Matthew 27:4

saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”

Matthew 27:6

The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…

Matthew 27:17

When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or…

Matthew 27:21

But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

Matthew 27:25

All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”

Matthew 27:43

He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

Matthew 27:63

saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’

Matthew 27:64

Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…

Matthew 28:5

The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.

Matthew 28:7

Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…

Matthew 28:13

saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept.

Mark 79 verses
Luke 274 verses
John 197 verses
Acts 125 verses
Romans 1 verse
I Corinthians 9 verses
II Corinthians 2 verses
Galatians 1 verse
Colossians 1 verse
Titus 1 verse
Hebrews 6 verses
James 3 verses
I John 4 verses
Jude 1 verse
Revelation of John 6 verses