ἐφάλλομαι
ephállomai
G2177 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To spring upon, to leap upon someone or something, usually with force or aggression. Primarily describes a sudden energetic motion moving onto a person or object, often conveying surprise or attack; can indicate the action of rushing or jumping onto something.
Semantic Range
to spring upon, to leap on, to rush upon, to attack by leaping, to jump onto someone or something
Root / Etymology
Compound of the preposition ἐπί ('upon, on') and the verb ἅλλομαι ('to leap, spring'). The word literally means 'to leap upon.' Both components are of Indo-European origin: ἐπί from the PIE root *epi ('on, at'), ἅλλομαι from the PIE root *sel- ('to jump, spring').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Rare in extant Greek literature, found mostly in Hellenistic and especially New Testament Greek. In Acts 19:16, the verb describes the sudden, forceful action of a man overtaking others—implying a strong, even violent, springing upon. This forceful nuance distinguishes it from more neutral verbs for jumping or leaping (e.g., πηδάω), often carrying a connotation of aggression, as opposed to just motion. Classical Greek prefers other compounds or verbs; ἐφάλλομαι is characteristically Koine. Standard English translations often render it as 'leap on,' but this can omit the connotation of assault or hostile engagement found in Koine usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and ἅλλομαι; to spring upon:--leap on.
Root Family
ἐφάλλομαι (ephallomai) — to leap, to spring, to spring upon
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2177-01 |
ἐφαλόμενος | ephalomenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
leaped | having leapt upon | having leapt upon | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2177-01 |
Acts 19:16 | ἐφαλόμενος | ephalomenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
leaped | having leapt upon | having leapt upon |