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G1916 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπιβοάω
epiboaō
Verb
to cry out to, call upon loudly — an urgent vocal appeal

Definition

Epiboaō combines epi (upon/toward) + boaō (to cry out). It means to cry out loudly toward someone — an urgent, public, passionate vocal appeal. It appears only once in the NT, in Acts 25:24, where the Jewish leaders cry out against Paul before Festus.

Usage & Theological Significance

Epiboaō captures the intensity of urgent appeal. The Jewish leaders shouting against Paul ironically mirror the crowds who cried out against Jesus. But the word's root (boaō) also captures the prophetic cry: Isaiah crying in the wilderness (John 1:23), the crowds crying "Hosanna," the blind men crying "Son of David, have mercy on us." The theology of boaō is that God hears the cry — especially of the helpless. "This poor man cried out [ekekragen] and the LORD heard him" (Psalm 34:6). Crying out to God is not weakness; it is faith.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 25:24 King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting [epiboōntes] that he ought not to live any longer.
Matthew 9:27 Two blind men followed him, calling out [krazontes], 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!'
Luke 18:7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?
Psalm 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
Romans 10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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