Lexical Summary epiduó: To set, to go down Original Word: ἐπιδύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go down. From epi and duno; to set fully (as the sun) -- go down. see GREEK epi see GREEK duno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and dunó Definition to set (of the sun) NASB Translation go down (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1931: ἐπιδύωἐπιδύω; to go down, set (of the sun): Ephesians 4:26, on which see ἐπί, B. 2 e. (Deuteronomy 24:17 (15); Jeremiah 15:9; (Philo de spec. legg. 28); and with tmesis, Homer, Iliad 2, 413.) Topical Lexicon Overview The verb translated “set” in Ephesians 4:26 conveys the natural descent of the sun below the horizon. Scripture employs the imagery of sunset to mark the end of a day, to establish time limits for certain actions, and to draw moral boundaries. Its single appearance in the New Testament occurs in a pastoral context that joins vivid creation language with ethical exhortation. Biblical Usage Ephesians 4:26 sets the word in a pair of imperatives: “Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Berean Standard Bible). The apostle Paul draws on a familiar daily milestone—sunset—to urge believers to resolve relational tensions quickly. Anger is not intrinsically sinful, but if it lingers past the day’s end it easily hardens into bitterness that “gives the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). Old Testament Background Sunset served as a divinely appointed marker by which Israel measured obedience and mercy: These passages establish sunset as a God-given boundary for duty, restoration, and worship. Rabbinic and First-Century Context In Jewish reckoning the new day began at sunset (Genesis 1:5, “And there was evening and there was morning—the first day”). Paul’s audiences in Asia Minor would have understood “do not let the sun set” as a literal deadline that arrived before the calendar turned. Allowing anger to carry over into another day violated both cultural practice and biblical precedent. Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Time-Limited Wrath. By binding anger to daylight hours, the Spirit teaches that human wrath is at best temporary, whereas God’s righteous judgment belongs to Him alone (Romans 12:19). Practical Application for Believers • Marital harmony: Couples are counseled to settle disputes before bedtime, turning the verse into a household rule that preserves unity. Pastoral and Missional Implications Swift reconciliation strengthens gospel witness. Unresolved anger obscures the transforming power of Christ, whereas timely forgiveness displays the cross. Ministries that cultivate a rhythm of daily confession and pardon reflect the grace they preach. Historical Illustrations • Tertullian cited Ephesians 4:26 to argue that Christians should settle quarrels before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Eschatological Hints While sunset ends the day, Scripture foresees an age when “night will be no more” (Revelation 22:5). The present command to guard the heart until sundown anticipates a future without sin, when reconciliation is complete and the need for deadlines vanishes. Summary The lone New Testament occurrence of this verb anchors a timeless principle: anger must be restrained, dealt with, and discharged before the day expires. From Israel’s fields to the church’s fellowship, sunset has marked the point at which mercy triumphs over resentment. Obeying the command safeguards personal holiness, protects communal harmony, and proclaims the character of the God who daily causes the sun to rise and set. Forms and Transliterations επέδυ επιδυετω επιδυέτω ἐπιδυέτω επιδύνοντος επιδύσεται epidueto epiduetō epidyeto epidyetō epidyéto epidyétōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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