ἐπιλείπω
epileípō
G1952 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to leave behind, to fail to provide what is necessary or sufficient; in extended usage, to be lacking, to be insufficient, to fail (especially with reference to resources, time, or opportunity). The core meaning is leaving something unmet or unsupplied, which extends metaphorically to the idea of being insufficient or failing in a requisite sense.
Semantic Range
to leave behind, to be insufficient, to fail (to suffice), to be lacking, to fall short, to have not enough
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί (upon, over) and λείπω (to leave, to forsake). The compound emphasizes the idea of something being left upon or over, i.e., left lacking or falling short.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐπιλείπω appears rarely in Greek literature and only a handful of times in the Septuagint and New Testament. In Koine Greek, it most often conveys the sense of 'to be lacking' or 'to fail' when referring to something that falls short of expectation or need (for example, time failing for narration, or resources being insufficient). In Hebrews 11:32, the verb is used impersonally: 'time would fail (me),' meaning 'time would be insufficient (to recount).' The word is far more common in later Byzantine Greek in literary contexts, still with this basic sense. English translations often render it 'fail' or 'be lacking,' but the Greek term carries a slightly broader field, including the sense of something being left incomplete or not fully supplied. The root λείπω is common in Greek with meanings related to leaving, lacking, or failing (compare καταλείπω, ἀπολείπω).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and λείπω; to leave upon, i.e. (figuratively) to be insufficient for:--fail.
Root Family
ἐπιλείπω (epileipō) — to leave, to lack, to be insufficient
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1952-01 |
ἐπιλείψει | epileipsei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will fail | will fall short | will fail | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1952-01 |
Hebrews 11:32 | ἐπιλείψει | epileipsei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will fail | will fall short | will fail |