Lexical Summary epischuó: To prevail, to be strong, to exert strength Original Word: ἐπισχύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grow fiercer. From epi and ischuo; to avail further, i.e. (figuratively) insist stoutly -- be the more fierce. see GREEK epi see GREEK ischuo HELPS Word-studies 2001 epis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and ischuó Definition to grow stronger NASB Translation insisting (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2001: ἐπισχύωἐπισχύω: (imperfect ἐπίσχυον); 1. transitive, to give additional strength; to make stronger (Sir. 29:1; Xenophon, oec. 11, 13). 2. intransitive, to receive greater strength, grow stronger (1 Macc. 6:6; Theophr, Diodorus): ἐπίσχυον λέγοντες, they were the more urgent saying, i. e. they alleged the more vehemently, Luke 23:5. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2001 marks a moment of escalating hostility in the Passion narrative. The term depicts an intensifying pressure applied by Christ’s accusers before Pontius Pilate. Though occurring only once, its placement at Luke 23:5 colors the surrounding scene with a sense of relentless determination, underscoring both the resolve of sinful opposition and the steadfastness of the Lord’s redemptive purpose. Scriptural Setting Luke 23:5 records: “But they kept insisting, ‘He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He began even to this place.’ ” The verb translated “kept insisting” conveys an increasing force: the religious leaders push their grievance harder when Pilate appears hesitant. The one occurrence therefore becomes the narrative hinge between Pilate’s initial declaration of innocence (Luke 23:4) and his referral of Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:6–7). Their intensification elevates political stakes, ensuring that the Roman governor must act. Forceful Persistence in Human Opposition 1. Height of Hostility: By employing a term of growing strength, Luke reveals how rejection of truth rarely remains static (compare Jeremiah 26:11; Acts 7:54–57). Sinful resolve hardens whenever light threatens darkness. Old Testament Echoes of Persistent Accusation The pattern of relentless accusation finds precursors in: These texts establish a biblical motif in which God’s servants often face increasing pressure before divine deliverance arrives. Christological Significance Luke’s lone use of Strong 2001 reinforces several truths: Historical Insights Early Christian writers, noting the crescendo of accusation, read the verse as evidence of political convenience overriding justice. The episode became a cautionary tale in patristic homilies against yielding to public clamor. Medieval passion plays likewise lingered on this intensification to spotlight the moral failure of both religious and civil authorities. Ministry Implications 1. Perseverance under Pressure: Believers engaged in gospel witness may encounter escalating opposition. Luke 23:5 invites steadfast trust rather than retaliatory power. Homiletical Suggestions • Sermon Theme: “When Accusations Intensify—Christ’s Calm and Our Confidence.” Devotional Reflection Meditation on Strong 2001 can lead the believer to pray for grace to remain gentle when confronted by rising hostility (2 Timothy 2:24–25), trusting that the Lord who endured intensified accusation now intercedes as faithful High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). Related Concepts and Comparative Texts • Persevering Prayer in adversity – Acts 12:5. Forms and Transliterations επισχυον επίσχυον ἐπίσχυον epischuon epischyon epíschyonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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