Strong's Lexicon epechó: To hold upon, to hold fast, to pay attention to, to give heed to. Original Word: ἐπέχω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and the verb ἔχω (echo, meaning "to have" or "to hold"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "epechó," the concept of focusing or giving heed is similar to the Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama, Strong's H8085), which means "to hear" or "to listen," often with the implication of obedience or attention. Usage: The verb "epechó" is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of holding one's attention on something or someone, to focus or concentrate on a particular matter. It implies a deliberate and sustained effort to consider or contemplate. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of focusing one's mind or attention was significant in both philosophical and practical contexts. Philosophers often emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection as means to attain wisdom and virtue. In a biblical context, this idea is extended to spiritual matters, encouraging believers to focus their minds and hearts on the teachings and person of Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and echó Definition to hold fast, to hold toward, to stop NASB Translation give...attention (1), holding fast (1), noticed (1), pay close attention (1), stayed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1907: ἐπέχωἐπέχω; imperfect ἐπειχον; 2 aorist ἐπέσχον; 1. to have or hold upon, apply: namely, τόν νοῦν, to observe, attend to, followed by an indirect question, Luke 14:7; τίνι, dative of person, to give attention to one, Acts 3:5; 1 Timothy 4:16 (with the dative of a thing, Sir. 31:2 (Sir. 34:2); 2 Macc. 9:25; Polybius 3, 43, 2, etc.; fully ὀφθαλμόν τίνι, Lucian, dial. mar. 1, 2). 2. to hold toward, hold forth, present: λόγον ζωῆς, as a light, by which illumined ye are the lights of the world, Philippians 2:16 (others besides, cf. Meyer or Ellicott at the passage). 3. to check ((cf. English hold up), German anhalten): namely, ἐμαυτόν, to delay, stop, stay, Acts 19:22, and in Greek writings from Homer down; (cf. Winers Grammar, § 38, 1; Buttmann, 144 (126); Fritzsche on Sir. 5:1). From epi and echo; to hold upon, i.e. (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of nous) to pay attention to -- give (take) heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay. see GREEK epi see GREEK echo see GREEK nous Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:7 V-PPA-NMSGRK: κεκλημένους παραβολήν ἐπέχων πῶς τὰς NAS: to the invited guests when He noticed how KJV: those which were bidden, when he marked how INT: were invited a parable remarking how the Acts 3:5 V-IIA-3S Acts 19:22 V-AIA-3S Philippians 2:16 V-PPA-NMP 1 Timothy 4:16 V-PMA-2S Strong's Greek 1907 |
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