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ἐπιλαμβάνομαι

epilambánomai

G1949 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To take hold of, grasp, or seize (someone or something), either physically or metaphorically. Frequently indicates direct and purposeful engagement, such as grasping a person by the hand, apprehending, or intervening in a situation. In figurative contexts, can denote actively taking part, engaging with, or partaking in something.

Semantic Range

to seize, to take hold of, to grasp (physically or metaphorically), to apprehend, to engage with or intervene, to partake in, to assist, to lay claim to

Root / Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, upon) and the verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, to take, to receive), forming a compound verb in the middle or passive voice. The sense is 'to take hold of/upon' with an emphasis on active involvement by the subject for their own interest or benefit.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐπιλαμβάνομαι is typically found in the middle voice and conveys the idea of reaching out and seizing with intention (sometimes violently, but more commonly with deliberate engagement). It often appears in narratives describing physical touch—such as taking someone by the hand (Mark 8:23, Acts 9:8)—but also takes on figurative meanings such as to take up a cause or partake in a task (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:12). In the Septuagint, it can denote both rescue and opposition (e.g., Exodus 4:4 'YHWH said... take it by the tail'). The NT continues these uses, sometimes with both literal and extended senses. English translations such as 'take hold of,' 'seize,' or 'catch' do not always capture the force or purposefulness indicated by the Greek verb. Unlike λαμβάνω on its own, ἐπιλαμβάνομαι emphasizes personal involvement and often initiates a new action or shift in narrative focus. In contrast to stronger terms for arrest or violent seizure (e.g., συλλαμβάνω), ἐπιλαμβάνομαι may have neutral, positive, or negative connotations depending on the person or object seized, and the context.

Translation Consistency

primary "take" 18 occurrences

Take is a natural, versatile verb that covers the primary senses of ἐπιλαμβάνομαι — to take hold of or seize physically and to engage with, partake in, or lay claim to metaphorically. It is broader and more idiomatic in English than more formal alternatives like “seize” or “lay hold (of),” so it will yield natural, consistent renderings across the varied contexts of this lemma.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"seize for oneself" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from ἐπί and λαμβάνω; to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively):--catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on).

Root Family

ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambanomai) — to take, to grasp, to seize

Root λαμβ- to take, to grasp, to seize

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1949-03 ἐπιλαβόμενοι epilabomenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL seizing having seized for themselves having taken for themselves 5
G1949-04 ἐπιλαβόμενος epilabomenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG taking having taken hold for himself having taken hold of 5
G1949-06 ἐπιλάβωνται epilabontai V AOR MID SUBJ 3P PL they may take hold they might seize for themselves they may take for themselves 2
G1949-01 ἐπελάβετο epelabeto V AOR MID IND 3P SG took hold of he seized for himself he took for himself 2
G1949-08 ἐπιλαμβάνεται epilambanetai V PRS MID IND 3P SG does he take hold of he takes hold of for himself he takes hold of for himself 2
G1949-05 ἐπιλαβομένου epilabomenou V AOR MID PTCP GEN M SG taking of having taken hold for himself having taken hold 1
G1949-07 ἐπιλαβοῦ epilabou V AOR MID IMP 2P SG take hold of Take hold for yourself Take hold for yourself 1
G1949-02 ἐπιλαβέσθαι epilabesthai V AOR MID INF to seize to seize for oneself to seize for oneself 1

Occurrences in Scripture

19 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1949-01 Matthew 14:31 ἐπελάβετο epelabeto V AOR MID IND 3P SG took hold of he seized for himself he took for himself
G1949-04 Mark 8:23 ἐπιλαβόμενος epilabomenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG taking having taken hold for himself having taken hold of
G1949-04 Luke 9:47 ἐπιλαβόμενος epilabomenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having taken having taken hold for himself having taken hold for himself
G1949-04 Luke 14:4 ἐπιλαβόμενος epilabomenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG taking hold of having taken hold for himself having taken hold for himself
G1949-06 Luke 20:20 ἐπιλάβωνται epilabontai V AOR MID SUBJ 3P PL they might seize they might seize for themselves they may take for themselves
G1949-02 Luke 20:26 ἐπιλαβέσθαι epilabesthai V AOR MID INF to seize to seize for oneself to seize for oneself
G1949-03 Luke 23:26 ἐπιλαβόμενοι epilabomenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL seizing having seized for themselves having taken for themselves
G1949-04 Acts 9:27 ἐπιλαβόμενος epilabomenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG took hold of having taken hold for himself having taken hold of
G1949-03 Acts 16:19 ἐπιλαβόμενοι epilabomenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL seizing having seized for themselves having taken for themselves
G1949-03 Acts 17:19 ἐπιλαβόμενοί epilabomenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL having taken having seized for themselves having taken for themselves
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