ἐπικαλέω
epikaleō
to call (on)/name
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπικαλέω (epikaleō), found 31 times in the Bible, essentially means "to call upon" or "to name." It is a verb that conveys the idea of invoking or referencing someone or something by name, indicating a relationship, connection, or authority. This verb is often used in contexts where individuals or groups seek to establish a connection with a higher power, such as God. The usage of ἐπικαλέω is quite diverse, ranging from invoking the name of God during prayer (Matthew 22:32) or referring to oneself as a follower of a particular spiritual leader (Luke 20:37). The verb also implies a sense of authority or identity, as seen when people are called upon to fulfill a specific role or function (Matthew 4:3). This breadth of usage suggests that the concept of naming and invoking is crucial for understanding one's place within a broader social or spiritual structure. The significance of ἐπικαλέω lies in its ability to highlight the intricate relationships between language, identity, and power. By naming or invoking someone or something, individuals can establish a connection that is both symbolic and tangible. This dynamic has important implications for understanding how language is used to shape and reinforce social hierarchies, authority structures, and spiritual identities.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
31 total occurrences across the text
Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Acts 11:13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter,
Acts 1:23They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
Acts 2:21It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 4:36Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
Acts 7:59They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Acts 9:14Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
Acts 9:21All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!”
Acts 10:5Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.
Acts 10:18and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there.
Acts 10:32Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
Acts 12:12Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
Acts 12:25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was called Mark.
Acts 15:17that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’
Acts 22:16Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Acts 25:11For if I have done wrong and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
Acts 25:12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”
Acts 25:21But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
Acts 25:25But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him,
Acts 26:32Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Acts 28:19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.
Romans 10:12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
Romans 10:13For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
1 Corinthians 1:2to the assembly of God which is at Corinth—those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
2 Corinthians 1:23But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth to spare you.
2 Timothy 2:22Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
James 2:7Don’t they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called?
1 Peter 1:17If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear,