ἐπίθεσις

The Greek word ἐπίθεσις (epithesis) is defined as "laying on." This term appears four times in the Bible, indicating its relatively limited usage. The meaning of epithesis is straightforward, referring to the act of placing or imposing something on someone or something else. The significance of epithesis lies in its implications of imposition or application. It can be used to describe the act of laying hands on someone, as in a ritual or ceremonial context, or the application of a principle or teaching. In its four occurrences in the Bible, epithesis is often used in conjunction with other verbs, such as placing or putting, to emphasize the act of imposition. The range of usage for epithesis is relatively narrow, primarily appearing in contexts related to ritual or ceremonial acts. Its limited occurrences suggest that it was a specialized term with a specific meaning, rather than a more general or abstract concept.