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ἐπισκιάζω

episkiázō

G1982 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cast a shadow upon; literally, to cover or envelop with a shadow. In extended or figurative contexts, to envelop with a presence or influence, particularly in narratives of extraordinary or divine manifestation. The core meaning is the physical action of shadowing or screening by casting a shadow; metaphorically, it can describe the experience of being enveloped or covered by a powerful or supernatural presence, especially as a sign of divine activity.

Semantic Range

to cast a shadow upon, to envelop in shadow, to cover or obscure with a shadow, to envelope with a cloud or presence, (figuratively) to invest with supernatural or divine influence

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ἐπί ('on, upon') and a verb derived from σκιά ('shadow'). Thus, literally 'to shadow upon' or 'to cast a shadow over.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb ἐπισκιάζω is rare in Greek literature and is primarily found in Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament. In non-religious contexts, it most naturally means 'to cast a shadow over' or 'to shade.' In biblical contexts, especially the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, it often marks moments of divine action or presence, such as the overshadowing of the cloud in the Transfiguration (Luke 9:34) or the Annunciation (Luke 1:35). The metaphorical meaning—of a divine or supernatural overshadowing—is especially shaped by Jewish and early Christian traditions of describing God's presence as a cloud or glory that covers or envelops. English translations often use 'overshadow' to render the term, but this can obscure the sensory imagery of physical covering present in the Greek. The metaphor may be rooted in the motif of the cloud of divine presence (e.g., LXX Exodus 40:35), reinforcing the association with sacred encounters. The word does not carry a negative connotation in these contexts; rather, it indicates the manifestation or mediation of the sacred. In classical Greek, the simple verb σκιάζω is attested with the sense 'to shade,' but the compound form with ἐπί intensifies and specifies the directionality of the action.

Translation Consistency

primary "overshadow" 2 occurrences

’Overshadow’ naturally and directly captures both the literal sense (to cast a shadow upon, to cover in shadow) and the common figurative use (to envelop with a presence or divine influence). It is idiomatic in English Bibles (e.g., Luke 1:35), fits the SILEX semantic range, and will read naturally across all inflected forms.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"cast a shadow upon" (1x) "casting a shadow upon" (1x) "cast a shadow over" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and a derivative of σκιά; to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence:--overshadow.

Root Family

σκιά- (episkiázō) — to shade, to cast a shadow

Root σκιά- to shade, to cast a shadow

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1982-01 ἐπεσκίασεν epeskiasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG overshadowed he cast a shadow upon he cast a shadow upon 1
G1982-02 ἐπεσκίαζεν epeskiazen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG overshadowed was casting a shadow upon was casting a shadow upon 1
G1982-03 ἐπισκιάσῃ episkiase V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG might overshadow may cast a shadow over may cast a shadow over 1
G1982-04 ἐπισκιάσει episkiasei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will overshadow will cast shadow upon will overshadow 1
G1982-05 ἐπισκιάζουσα episkiazousa V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG overshadowing shadowing over overshadowing 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1982-01 Matthew 17:5 ἐπεσκίασεν epeskiasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG overshadowed he cast a shadow upon he cast a shadow upon
G1982-05 Mark 9:7 ἐπισκιάζουσα episkiazousa V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG overshadowing shadowing over overshadowing
G1982-04 Luke 1:35 ἐπισκιάσει episkiasei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will overshadow will cast shadow upon will overshadow
G1982-02 Luke 9:34 ἐπεσκίαζεν epeskiazen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG overshadowed was casting a shadow upon was casting a shadow upon
G1982-03 Acts 5:15 ἐπισκιάσῃ episkiase V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG might overshadow may cast a shadow over may cast a shadow over
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