1936. epithesis

Lexicon

epithesis: Laying on, imposition

Original Word: ἐπίθεσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: epithesis
Pronunciation: eh-PEE-theh-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ith'-es-is)
Definition: Laying on, imposition
Meaning: a laying on; an attack, assault.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

assault, imposition

From epitithemi; an imposition (of hands officially) -- laying (putting) on.

see GREEK epitithemi

HELPS Word-studies

1936 epíthesis (from 2007 /epitíthēmi, "place upon") – properly to put, lay on (hands); used of the Lord conveying supernatural encouragement and revelation by "the laying on of hands."

This simple procedure looks to the Lord for guidance and to pass on confirmation of His will. It is the principal means of "ordaining" someone to ministry, but should also be a regular practice in the church when helping someone confirm (discover) God's will, etc.

[1 Tim 4:14 shows how the "laying on of hands" helps spur people to receive God's grace-gifts. These endowments bring great fruitfulness to the Lord's Church.

(Ro 1:11) Paul exemplified face-to-face meetings with churches because these are spiritually dynamic. They included: "laying on of hands" (done in conjunction with the elders of the church), and moving in spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor 12:12, 14:18).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from epitithémi
Definition
a laying on, an assault
NASB Translation
laying (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1936: ἐπίθεσις

ἐπίθεσις, ἐπιθησεως, ἡ (ἐπιτίθημι), a laying on, imposition: τῶν χειρῶν, Acts 8:18; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2. The imposition of hands, χειροθεσια, was a sacred rite transmitted by the Jews to the Christians, and employed in praying for another, or in conferring upon him divine blessings, especially bodily health, or the Holy Spirit (at the administration of baptism and the inauguration to their office of the teachers and ministers of the church): Genesis 48:14; Numbers 27:18, 23; Deuteronomy 34:9; 2 Kings 5:11, etc.; Matthew 19:13; Mark 16:18; Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; Acts 19:6, etc. (See B. D. under the word (supplement); McCl. and Strong and Dict. of Chris. Antiq. under the word .)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi), meaning "to lay upon" or "to place upon."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct one-to-one correspondence between Greek and Hebrew terms, the concept of laying on of hands in the Hebrew Bible can be related to the following Hebrew words:

- Strong's Hebrew 3027 (יָד, yad): Often translated as "hand," this term is used in contexts where hands are laid upon individuals or sacrifices, symbolizing blessing, authority, or identification.

- Strong's Hebrew 5564 (סָמַךְ, samak): Meaning "to lean" or "to lay upon," this verb is used in the context of laying hands on the head of a sacrificial animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin or blessing.

These Hebrew terms provide a cultural and religious backdrop for understanding the practice of ἐπίθεσις in the New Testament, illustrating its continuity and adaptation within the early Christian community.

Usage: The term ἐπίθεσις is used in the New Testament to describe the ceremonial act of laying on hands, which is associated with blessing, healing, the impartation of the Holy Spirit, or the commissioning of individuals for specific roles or tasks within the early Christian community.

Context: The term ἐπίθεσις appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight its significance in early Christian practices. It is most notably associated with the laying on of hands, a symbolic act that conveys spiritual blessing, authority, or empowerment. This practice has its roots in Jewish tradition, where laying on of hands was used in various religious rites, including blessings and sacrifices.

In the New Testament, ἐπίθεσις is mentioned in several key passages:

- Acts 8:17: "Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Here, the laying on of hands is associated with the reception of the Holy Spirit, signifying the apostles' role in the spiritual empowerment of new believers.

- 1 Timothy 4:14: "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the elders." This passage highlights the use of ἐπίθεσις in the context of ordination or commissioning for ministry, where spiritual gifts are recognized and affirmed through this act.

- Hebrews 6:2: "instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment." Here, the laying on of hands is listed among foundational teachings, indicating its importance in the early church's doctrinal framework.

The act of ἐπίθεσις serves as a tangible expression of spiritual realities, such as the transfer of authority, the impartation of spiritual gifts, or the invocation of divine blessing. It underscores the communal and relational aspects of faith, where spiritual growth and empowerment are facilitated through the ministry of others within the body of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

επιθεσεως επιθέσεως ἐπιθέσεως ἐπιθέσεώς επίθεσιν epitheseos epitheseōs epithéseos epithéseōs epithéseṓs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 8:18 N-GFS
GRK: διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν
NAS: through the laying on of the apostles'
KJV: through laying on of the apostles'
INT: by the laying on of the hands

1 Timothy 4:14 N-GFS
GRK: προφητείας μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν
NAS: prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands
KJV: with the laying on of the hands
INT: prophecy with laying on of the hands

2 Timothy 1:6 N-GFS
GRK: διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν
NAS: is in you through the laying on of my hands.
KJV: thee by the putting on of my hands.
INT: by the laying on of the hands

Hebrews 6:2 N-GFS
GRK: βαπτισμῶν διδαχῆς ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν
NAS: about washings and laying on of hands,
KJV: and of laying on of hands,
INT: about washings of instruction of laying on moreover of hands

Strong's Greek 1936
4 Occurrences

ἐπιθέσεως — 4 Occ.