Lexical Summary epicheireó: To attempt, to undertake, to put one's hand to Original Word: ἐπιχειρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go about, take in hand. From epi and cheir; to put the hand upon, i.e. Undertake -- go about, take in hand (upon). see GREEK epi see GREEK cheir NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and cheir Definition to put one's hand to, hence to attempt NASB Translation attempted (1), attempting (1), undertaken (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2021: ἐπιχειρέωἐπιχειρέω, ἐπιχείρῳ: imperfect ἐπεχείρουν; 1 aorist ἐπεχείρησα; (χείρ); 1. properly, to put the hand to (Homer, Odyssey 24, 386, 395). 2. often from Herodotus down, to take in hand, undertake, attempt (anything to be done), followed by the infinitive: Luke 1:1; Acts 9:29; Acts 19:13; (2 Macc. 2:29 2Macc. 7:19). Grimm treats of this word more at length in the Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1871, p. 36f. Strong’s Greek 2021, ἐπιχειρέω, depicts a deliberate initiative: “to set the hand upon a matter,” hence to attempt, undertake, or try. In Scripture the word consistently marks the boundary between human resolve and God’s sovereign enablement. Narrative Contribution in Luke 1:1 Luke begins his Gospel: “Many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us” (Luke 1:1). Here ἐπιχειρέω dignifies the careful efforts of eyewitnesses and historians who labored to record the life of Jesus Christ. The verb underscores that reliable testimony about Christ is neither accidental nor casual; it requires thoughtful, researched initiative. Luke’s Spirit-guided use of the term both affirms the legitimacy of human scholarship and reminds readers that such scholarship ultimately serves to certify the truth already accomplished by God. Human Initiative versus Divine Authority in Acts 19:13 “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits” (Acts 19:13). The same verb marks an audacious venture into spiritual warfare without covenant relationship to Christ. Their failure—and the beating they received—demonstrates that spiritual authority cannot be seized by presumption. ἐπιχειρέω in this context accentuates the contrast between merely “trying” religious formulas and exercising authority by God’s commission. The episode warns the Church that ministry power flows from union with Christ, not from ritualistic imitation. Opposition to the Gospel in Acts 9:29 “He spoke and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him” (Acts 9:29). Here ἐπιχειρέω identifies organized hostility against the newly converted Paul. The verb signals determined opposition, yet the plot ultimately fails, showcasing God’s protective oversight of His servant. Luke’s consistent vocabulary links Paul’s persecutors with the earlier exorcists: both groups “undertake” something God will not authorize—whether silencing His messenger or manipulating His name. Theological Significance 1. Initiative under Providence: Scripture honors diligent effort (Luke 1:1) while refusing to equate human initiative with divine approval (Acts 19:13; Acts 9:29). Historical Background In classical Greek, ἐπιχειρέω often described military campaigns or legal proceedings—ventures requiring planning, courage, and risk. Luke, the only New Testament writer to employ the term, taps this secular nuance to spotlight ventures that appear formidable yet remain subject to God’s verdict. Practical Ministry Application • Ministry planning must be prayer-bathed; initiatives should be confirmed by Scripture and the Spirit rather than driven by novelty or urgency. Relevance to Christian Life Every disciple faces daily decisions—whether to “undertake” matters in self-reliance or in submission to Christ. Luke’s selective use of ἐπιχειρέω challenges believers to examine motives, seek divine sanction, and trust God to advance or restrain every endeavor according to His perfect will. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:1 V-AIA-3PGRK: ΕΠΕΙΔΗΠΕΡ ΠΟΛΛΟΙ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν NAS: as many have undertaken to compile KJV: as many have taken in hand to set forth in order INT: FORASMUCH AS many have undertaken to draw up a narration Acts 9:29 V-IIA-3P Acts 19:13 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 2021 |
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