ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi)
ephistēmi
to approach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb ephistēmi describes the act of coming near and standing over or beside someone. It conveys a sense of immediate presence, whether that presence is supportive, like a servant attending to a guest, or intrusive, like a mob surrounding a person. The word captures the physical reality of being at hand, ready to interact or intervene.
Its meaning shifts with context. In Luke 10:40, Martha stands beside Jesus as he teaches, indicating attentive service. Conversely, in Acts 6:12, opponents stand against Stephen, showing hostile confrontation. The sources note it can also describe natural events arriving suddenly, such as rain falling or impending trouble overtaking a person.
This verb highlights the intensity of encounter. It is not merely passing by but establishing a position relative to another. Translators often use "stood by," "came upon," or "assaulted" depending on whether the scene shows care, danger, or sudden arrival. The word emphasizes that presence carries weight and consequence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephistēmi describes someone coming near and standing beside or over another person. It is not a distant observation but an immediate, tangible presence. In scripture, this proximity often signals a moment of decision or comfort. When the angel stood by the shepherds in Luke 2:9, the closeness brought both terror and divine news. Similarly, when the Lord stood by Paul in Acts 23:11, that nearness offered strength for the journey ahead.
We often feel alone in our struggles, yet this word reminds us that God’s presence is intimate and active. Whether it is a friend standing by you in trouble or Christ standing beside you in confusion, being 'stood by' means you are not ignored. It invites us to notice who is near us and to trust that divine attention meets us in the ordinary moments of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stood by3×
- having come up3×
- stood2×
- may come1×
- having stood by [me]1×
- having stood by1×
- having stood1×
- having come upon [him]1×
- having assailed1×
- has come.1×
- do be ready1×
- comes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέστησαν5×
- ἐπιστὰς4×
- ἐπέστη2×
- ἐπιστᾶσα2×
- ἐπιστάντες2×
- ἐφίσταται1×
- ἐφέστηκεν.1×
- ἐφεστῶτα1×
- ἐφεστὼς1×
- ἐπίστηθι1×
- ἐπιστῇ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:9
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
The angel's physical proximity transforms a terrifying night into a moment of divine revelation for the shepherds.
-
Acts 23:11
The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”
Christ standing by Paul provides specific encouragement and purpose during a time of uncertainty and danger.
-
Luke 4:39
He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.
Jesus standing over the sick woman demonstrates his authority to heal through direct, personal intervention.
-
Acts 6:12
They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then brought him in to the council,
The hostile crowd standing against Stephen highlights how presence can be used for intimidation and injustice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ephistēmi mean in simple terms?
How is this word different from just 'being there'?
Does this word only refer to people?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 4 books)
Luke 7 verses
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luke 2:38Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption…
Luke 4:39He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.
Luke 10:40But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister…
Luke 20:1On one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, the priests and scribes…
Luke 21:34“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day…
Luke 24:4While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.