← G1906 G1908 →

ἐπέχω

epéchō

G1907 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ἔχω to hold, to keep, to have possession

Definition

To hold fast or keep in position; to restrain or detain something or someone. The verb also carries the sense of directing one's attention intently to something (often with the mind or thoughts), or of maintaining something in a given state. In certain contexts, it can mean to delay or withhold, and in figurative uses, to give one's attention carefully or attentively.

Semantic Range

to hold on to, to keep in place, to detain or restrain, to pay attention to, to direct the mind toward, to delay, to suspend judgment, to expect or await attentively

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐπί (upon, on) and the verb ἔχω (to have, to hold); literally 'to hold upon' or 'hold toward.' The formation is regular in Greek compounding, with the preverb ἐπί modifying the sense of 'holding' to imply direction or emphasis.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπέχω appears with the physical sense of holding back, detaining, or restraining (e.g., holding a ship at anchor), or maintaining position. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, it acquires extended metaphorical senses: it often means 'to pay attention,' 'to direct the mind toward,' or 'to heed' (cf. usage with τὸν νοῦν, 'the mind'). In philosophical and rhetorical sources, it can mean to suspend judgment or to concentrate thought. The Septuagint sometimes uses ἐπέχω with both literal and figurative meanings. In the New Testament, the term typically appears in contexts of directing one's mind, attention, or care toward something, as in Acts 3:5, where it means 'to pay attention' or 'to expect.' English translations vary: 'give heed,' 'pay attention,' 'hold back,' or 'restrain,' depending on context. The range of meaning is wider than English 'detain' or 'hold forth,' thus context determines the nuance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and ἔχω; to hold upon, i.e. (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of νοῦς) to pay attention to:--give (take) heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay.

Root Family

ἐπέχω (epéchō) — to hold upon, to keep, to restrain, to direct attention

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1907-02 ἐπέχων epechon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG observing holding fast 1
G1907-03 ἐπέχοντες epechontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL holding fast holding fast 1
G1907-05 ἐπέσχεν epeschen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG stayed he held fast 1
G1907-01 ἔπεχε epeche V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG Pay close attention Keep holding to 1
G1907-04 ἐπεῖχεν epeichen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG gave heed was holding fast 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1907-02 Luke 14:7 ἐπέχων epechon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG observing holding fast
G1907-04 Acts 3:5 ἐπεῖχεν epeichen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG gave heed was holding fast
G1907-05 Acts 19:22 ἐπέσχεν epeschen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG stayed he held fast
G1907-03 Philippians 2:16 ἐπέχοντες epechontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL holding fast holding fast
G1907-01 1 Timothy 4:16 ἔπεχε epeche V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG Pay close attention Keep holding to
← G1906 Greek Lexicon G1908 →