Lexical Summary epipheró: To bring upon, to inflict, to impose Original Word: ἐπιφέρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance add, bring against, inflictFrom epi and phero; to bear upon (or further), i.e. Adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce -- add, bring (against), take. see GREEK epi see GREEK phero NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and pheró Definition to bring upon or against NASB Translation inflicts (1), pronounce against (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2018: ἐπιφέρωἐπιφέρω; (imperfect ἐπέφερον); 2 aorist infinitive ἐπενεγκεῖν; (present passive ἐπιφέρομαι); 1. to bring upon, bring forward: αἰτίαν, of accusers (as in Herodotus 1, 26, and in Attic writings from Thucydides down; Polybius 5, 41, 3; 40, 5, 2; Josephus, Antiquities 2, 6, 7; 4, 8, 23; Herodian, 3, 8, 13 (6 edition, Bekker)), Acts 25:18 (where L T Tr WH ἔφερον); κρίσιν, Jude 1:9. 2. to lay upon, to inflict: τήν ὀργήν, Romans 3:5 (πληγήν, Josephus, Antiquities 2, 14, 2). 3. to bring upon i. e. in addition, to add, increase: θλῖψιν τοῖς δεσμοῖς, Philippians 1:16-17Rec., but on this passage see ἐγείρω, 4 c.; (πῦρ ἐπιφέρειν πυρί, Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 18; (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 52, 4, 7)). 4. to put upon, cast upon, impose (φάρμακον, Plato, epistle 8, p. 354 b.): τί ἐπί τινα, in passive, Acts 19:12, where L T Tr WH ἀποφέρεσθαι, which see The verb translated from Strong’s Greek 2018 depicts the act of placing something upon, whether a physical burden, a verbal charge, or a logical emphasis. In the New Testament it appears twice, each time illuminating a different aspect of how God’s people are to handle the weight of accusation or argument. Scriptural Usage • Romans 3:5 – “But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust to inflict His wrath on us? (I am speaking in human terms.)” Here the word describes how human sin “brings into sharp relief” the righteous character of God. Rather than excusing sin, the apostle uses a hypothetical objection to demonstrate that human failure only magnifies divine faithfulness. The term carries the sense of pressing an issue forward for consideration, much like an attorney placing evidence before the court. • Jude 1:9 – “But even Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” In this context the word concerns a formal accusation. Michael refuses to advance (or “place upon”) the adversary a railing judgment. Instead, he appeals to the Lord’s authority. The passage contrasts godly restraint with the reckless speech of the false teachers denounced by Jude. Theological Themes 1. Divine Righteousness Versus Human Sin The occurrence in Romans grounds Paul’s argument that God remains just while justifying sinners through faith in Jesus Christ. The verb underscores how even the dark backdrop of human iniquity serves to display God’s glory more vividly. 2. Proper Use of Authority Jude’s example of Michael demonstrates that even the highest angelic rank submits to God’s judgment rather than wielding autonomous condemnation. Believers are warned against presumptuous speech and encouraged to rest in the Lord’s prerogative to judge. 3. Restraint in Spiritual Warfare The passage in Jude supplies a pattern for spiritual engagement: reliance on God’s rebuke rather than self-assertive denunciation. This comports with passages such as 2 Timothy 2:24-25 where the Lord’s servant is instructed to correct opponents with gentleness. Historical Reception • Early Christian writers such as Origen and Athanasius cited Jude 1:9 to stress angelic submission to God, reinforcing orthodox boundaries against speculative angelology. Practical Ministry Lessons • When defending the faith, present truth in a manner that exalts God rather than self. Arguments that press the glory of Christ forward are legitimate; personal attacks are not. Summary Strong’s Greek 2018 portrays the act of bringing something to bear—whether an argument that spotlights God’s righteousness or an accusation restrained for the sake of reverence. In both occurrences Scripture models how redeemed people should handle weighty matters: by elevating divine glory and submitting to divine authority. Englishman's Concordance Romans 3:5 V-PPA-NMSGRK: θεὸς ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν NAS: The God who inflicts wrath KJV: unrighteous who taketh vengeance? INT: God who inflicts the wrath Jude 1:9 V-ANA Strong's Greek 2018 |
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