Lexical Summary epileipo: To fail, to forsake, to leave behind Original Word: ἐπιλείπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fail. From epi and leipo; to leave upon, i.e. (figuratively) to be insufficient for -- fail. see GREEK epi see GREEK leipo Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1952: ἐπιλείπωἐπιλείπω: future ἐπιλειψω; to fail, not to suffice for (any purpose, for the attainment of an end): τινα ὁ χρόνος, time fails one, Hebrews 11:32 and many like examples in Greek writings from Demosthenes down; see Bleek, Brief an d. Hebrews 2:2, p. 818. STRONGS NT 1952a: ἐπιλείχωἐπιλείχω: imperfect ἐπέλειχον; to lick the surface of, lick over ((cf. ἐπί, D. 1); German belecken): with the accusative of a thing, Luke 16:21 L T Tr WH; (in Long. past. 1, 24 (11) a variant for ἐπιτρέχω). Strong's Greek 1952 appears a single time in the New Testament, Hebrews 11:32, where the writer declares that “Time will fail me” when attempting to recount further examples of faith. The expression underscores the insufficiency of available time and space to narrate the full breadth of God’s faith-energized deeds in history. Scriptural Context Hebrews 11 gathers a panoramic list of saints whose trust in God overcame fear, persecution, and even death. After detailing Abel through the Maccabean martyrs, the author arrives at a rhetorical pivot: “ And what more shall I say? Time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets ” (Hebrews 11:32). The verb translated “will fail” captures a looming shortage of time, not a deficiency in God’s works. The author’s catalogue could extend indefinitely, yet practical constraints compel a halt. Theological Themes 1. Inexhaustible Testimony Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s acts cannot be fully chronicled. John concludes, “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). Hebrews 11:32 echoes this theme, reminding readers that divine faithfulness overflows human limits. 2. Human Limitation, Divine Sufficiency By acknowledging impending inadequacy, the epistle magnifies God’s sufficiency. Paul confesses, “Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). The same humility pervades Hebrews: finite narrators serve an infinite Redeemer. 3. Summative Witness The concision in Hebrews 11:32 validates selective storytelling as a legitimate means of proclamation. The writer trusts that the Spirit will apply these few names to call believers into persevering faith. Rhetorical and Literary Function Ancient orators often used a “refusal to narrate” (ἀποσιώπησις) to suggest abundance beyond their scope. Hebrews 11:32 employs this device to stir the congregation’s imagination, inviting them to supply the unmentioned victories of faith from their own knowledge of Scripture. Far from dismissing the omitted stories, the author elevates them by implying their sheer magnitude. Historical Reflection The individuals referenced—judges, kings, and prophets—span roughly five hundred years of Israel’s national life. Each faced unique threats: foreign armies (Gideon), internal strife (Jephthah), moral compromise (Samson), political upheaval (David), and spiritual decline (Samuel and the prophets). Though contexts varied, the common denominator was persevering faith. The writer’s concise roll call affirms that across generations God consistently honors those who trust Him. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Teaching and Preaching Pastors can model Hebrews 11:32 by presenting selective yet powerful testimonies rather than exhaustive surveys, trusting the Spirit to amplify truth in listeners’ hearts. 2. Personal Devotion Believers overwhelmed by Scripture’s breadth may focus on a single narrative at a time, confident that the whole canon witnesses to the same faithful God. 3. Testimony Sharing In corporate worship, brief, focused testimonies can convey God’s greatness without exhausting the congregation’s attention, reflecting the author’s economy of words. 4. Stewardship of Time The awareness that “time will fail” challenges Christians to prioritize essential acts of obedience and proclamation while opportunity remains (Ephesians 5:16). Related Biblical Motifs • The “short word” motif: “I will make a short work upon the earth” (Romans 9:28, quoting Isaiah). Conclusion Strong’s 1952 in Hebrews 11:32 crystallizes a vital biblical principle: God’s works outstrip human narration, yet concise testimony stirs faith for present obedience. By confessing the limits of time, the writer directs believers to the limitless faithfulness of the One “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8). |
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