ἐπισχύω
epischýō
G2001 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become stronger, exert increased strength or resolve; to press on with more force or vigor, often in speech or attitude. In figurative contexts (notably in the New Testament), to insist more firmly, act or speak with heightened intensity or persistence, especially in response to resistance.
Semantic Range
to increase in strength, to become more vehement or insistent, to press on more forcibly, to insist more strongly, to be the more determined
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί (upon, in addition) and ἰσχύω (to be strong, to be able), thus 'to apply strength upon,' or 'to increase strength.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπισχύω is rare but echoes the general sense of intensifying strength. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it primarily appears in the sense of ‘increasing strength’ or ‘pressing on with more force.’ In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 27:23), it is used to describe escalating insistence or intensity—"they cried out the more"—particularly in the context of demanding or urging. English translations like 'be the more fierce' or 'insist steadfastly' attempt to capture this nuance, but can underplay the verb's emphasis on increased intensity, not only in speech but potentially in action. There is distinction from ἰσχύω alone ('to be strong'), in that ἐπισχύω always suggests a rise above a previous level of strength or forceful persistence, not merely possessing strength. Septuagintal usage is limited; the word generally appears in contexts of intensification rather than simple capability. Its usage aligns with the Koine Greek tendency to form strengthened verbs with ἐπί.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and ἰσχύω; to avail further, i.e. (figuratively) insist stoutly:--be the more fierce.
Root Family
ἐπισχύω (epischyō) — be strong, increase in strength, insist forcefully, press more strongly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2001-01 |
ἐπίσχυον | epischuon | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were insistent | they were pressing more strongly | they were pressing more strongly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2001-01 |
Luke 23:5 | ἐπίσχυον | epischuon | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were insistent | they were pressing more strongly | they were pressing more strongly |