Lexical Summary epiporeuomai: To journey over, to travel upon Original Word: ἐπιπορεύομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance journey toFrom epi and poreuomai; to journey further, i.e. Travel on (reach) -- come. see GREEK epi see GREEK poreuomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and poreuomai Definition to travel NASB Translation journeying (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1975: ἐπιπορεύομαιἐπιπορεύομαι; to go or journey to: πρός τινα, Luke 8:4; (followed by ἐπί with the accusative Epistle Jer. Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence The verb ἐπιπορεύομαι appears a single time in the Greek New Testament, Luke 8:4, describing the action of crowds “coming to Jesus from town after town”. Though attested only once, the term captures a decisive moment in the public ministry of Jesus when popular interest, curiosity, and spiritual hunger converge on Him. Literary Setting in Luke 8:4 Luke places the word immediately before the Parable of the Sower. The sequence is important. The gathered multitude illustrates in real time the very soils Jesus is about to describe: many approach Him, but their reception of His word will differ according to the condition of their hearts. The evangelist thus uses ἐπιπορεύομαι to picture: Historical and Cultural Background Galilee in the first century was dotted with small villages connected by walking paths. Traveling teachers often drew hearers, but Jesus’ teaching, healings, and authoritative presence generated far wider interest. Luke’s note that people were journeying “from town after town” indicates: Theological Significance of Collective Movement 1. Christ as Destination: Scripture repeatedly portrays God calling people to Himself (Exodus 19:4; Isaiah 55:1). In Luke 8:4 the crowds’ physical approach anticipates the spiritual invitation Jesus extends: “Come to Me, all you who are weary” (Matthew 11:28). Mission and Evangelism Implications • Attractional Force of the Gospel: The singular use of ἐπιπορεύομαι reminds believers that Christ Himself, when rightly proclaimed, draws diverse audiences without gimmickry (John 12:32). Pastoral Reflections 1. Measuring Success: Numerical crowds, though encouraging, are not the final measure of ministry health. Luke 8:4 warns that some who come eagerly may later fall away. Intertextual Resonances • Joel 3:2 pictures nations “coming up” to the valley of decision, foreshadowing ultimate judgment. Luke’s gathering precedes a parable that itself divides hearers, hinting at eschatological sorting. Practical Application for Believers • Personal: Examine whether physical proximity to Christian activity translates into implanted, fruit‐bearing faith (James 1:22). Summary The lone New Testament occurrence of ἐπιπορεύομαι in Luke 8:4 is more than a narrative detail. It presents a vivid tableau of seekers pressing toward Christ, highlights the moment’s evangelistic potency, and foreshadows the discerning power of the proclaimed word. For contemporary ministry, it encourages confidence that the Savior still gathers crowds and cautions that only properly tilled hearts will yield lasting harvest. Forms and Transliterations επιπορευόμενη επιπορευομένους επιπορευομενων επιπορευομένων ἐπιπορευομένων επιρραντισθή epiporeuomenon epiporeuomenōn epiporeuoménon epiporeuoménōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |