Berean Strong's Lexicon episphalés: Unstable, insecure, liable to fall Original Word: ἐπισφαλής Word Origin: From the Greek prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and σφαλής (sphalés, meaning "slippery" or "unstable"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "episphalés," similar concepts can be found in words like מוֹט (mot, Strong's H4131), meaning "to totter" or "to shake," which conveys instability. Usage: The term "episphalés" is used to describe something that is not secure or is prone to failure. It conveys the idea of instability or a lack of firm foundation, often used metaphorically to describe situations, conditions, or even moral states that are precarious or unreliable. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Greek world, stability was highly valued, whether in physical structures, political systems, or personal character. The concept of something being "episphalés" would have been understood as a warning of potential danger or failure. In a biblical context, this term would resonate with the audience's understanding of the importance of a firm foundation, both spiritually and morally. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and sphalló (to cause to fall) Definition prone to fall NASB Translation dangerous (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2000: ἐπισφαλήςἐπισφαλής, ἐπιφαλες (σφάλλω to cause to fall), prone to fall: πλοῦς, a dangerous voyage, Acts 27:9. (Plato, Polybius, Plutarch, others.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dangerous. From a compound of epi and sphallo (to trip); figuratively, insecure -- dangerous. see GREEK epi Forms and Transliterations επισφαλους επισφαλούς ἐπισφαλοῦς επισφραγίζουσιν episphalous episphaloûsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |