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G1904 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπέρχομαι
eperchomai
Verb
to come upon, come over, arrive

Definition

Eperchomai appears 9 times in the New Testament, combining epi (upon) + erchomai (to come). It describes something or someone coming upon another — often with sudden or overwhelming force. Most theologically significant is Luke 1:35, where the angel tells Mary: 'The Holy Spirit will come upon [eperchomai] you' — the same word used for the Spirit's arrival at Pentecost (Acts 1:8) and for coming evil (Ephesians 6:13).

Usage & Theological Significance

Eperchomai is the word of divine visitation. The Holy Spirit 'came upon' Mary (Luke 1:35) — the incarnation was a sovereign divine eperchomai. Acts 1:8 promises the Spirit will 'come upon' the disciples — the Church begins with divine eperchomai. Yet the word also describes coming judgment: James 5:1 warns the rich that 'miseries that are coming upon [eperchomai] you.' This dual usage reveals that every divine arrival is both blessing and judgment — the same Spirit who empowers the Church exposes the world's sin. Eperchomai is always a sovereign intrusion of eternity into time.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 1:35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on [eperchomai] you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'
Acts 1:8 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on [eperchomai] you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'
James 5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon [eperchomai] you.
Luke 21:26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on [eperchomai] the world.
Ephesians 2:7 In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Related Words

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