ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai)
ephallomai
to jump on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ephallomai describes a sudden, violent action: to leap upon or spring onto someone. It conveys the physical motion of launching oneself at another person with force and intent. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:16, where it captures the aggressive nature of an encounter.
In that specific instance, evil spirits leap upon a man whom Paul’s companions had tried to exorcise. This usage highlights the word’s connotation of assault rather than playful movement. It is not a gentle approach but a sudden attack, emphasizing the danger and hostility involved in the scene.
The term likely derives from roots meaning "upon" and "leap," reinforcing the idea of upward or forward momentum directed at a target. Its singular occurrence in Scripture underscores the unique intensity of this particular event, marking it as a moment of direct spiritual conflict rather than a general description of movement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephallomai describes a sudden, violent leap upon someone. In Acts 19:16, evil spirits use this aggressive motion to attack men who tried to cast them out without proper authority. This image reminds us that spiritual conflict is real and can be intense, but it also shows the limits of evil when faced with true faith.
For your daily life, this word offers comfort rather than fear. It highlights that no force, however sudden or hostile, can ultimately overcome those who stand firmly in Christ. When you face unexpected challenges or spiritual opposition, remember that Jesus holds all authority. You are not alone in these moments, and His power is greater than any attack.
This single occurrence in Scripture underscores the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than our own methods. It invites us to trust in His protection and to approach spiritual matters with humility and dependence on Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having leapt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφαλόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:16
The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
This verse uniquely captures the violent, sudden nature of the word as evil spirits physically leap upon and overpower individuals who lack true spiritual authority.