ἐπισκιάζω

From the study of Luke 1:35

Range of meaning

To cast a shadow over something or cover it with shade. In biblical usage it describes God's presence settling over something, often as a cloud, and also protective shelter.

Against the English

Every major English version says "overshadow." That is literally correct, but today the word mostly means to outshine something or make it seem less important. That modern sense is not in the Greek at all.

How it drifted

From the 16th century the English verb took on a figurative sense: to make something seem less important by comparison. That sense is now the most common one, so the literal picture of a shadow cast by God's presence is easily missed.

Used elsewhere in the period

• Exodus 40:35 (Greek Old Testament): Moses could not enter the tent "because the cloud overshadowed it, and the tent was filled with the glory of the Lord."
• Psalm 91:4 (90:4 in the Greek): "with his shoulders he will overshadow you" (episkiasei soi, the same phrase as Luke 1:35), describing God's shelter.
• Psalm 140:7 (139:8 in the Greek): "you overshadowed my head in the day of battle."
• Luke 9:34: at the Transfiguration a cloud "overshadowed" the disciples, and God's voice declares "This is my Son."
• Acts 5:15: Peter's shadow falling on the sick.

The word is never used for sexual union, in the Bible or in ordinary Greek.

From the study of Acts 5:15

Range of meaning

To cast a shadow over, cover with shade, envelop. In biblical Greek it is used for God's presence resting on something or someone.

Against the English

KJV and WEB 'overshadow' is accurate in its older sense, 'to throw a shadow over'. But in modern English 'overshadow' mostly means 'to outshine, make seem less important'. BSB/ESV/NIV 'fall on' avoids this confusion.

How it drifted

Since about the 1600s the figurative sense of English 'overshadow' (to dominate, eclipse) has gradually replaced the literal one in everyday use.

Used elsewhere in the period

LXX Exod 40:35: the cloud 'overshadowed' (ἐπεσκίαζεν) the tent of meeting, and the glory filled it. Luke 1:35: 'the power of the Most High will overshadow you'. Luke 9:34 and parallels: the cloud at the Transfiguration. LXX Ps 90(91):4 and 139(140):8: God shades or covers his people.

From the study of Luke 9:34

Range of meaning

To cast a shadow on, to cover with shade, to envelop. It can be literal (Peter's shadow falling on the sick, Acts 5:15) or describe protection or divine presence coming down (Ps 91:4 LXX [90:4]; Luke 1:35).

Against the English

KJV, WEB, YLT and ESV keep 'overshadowed', which preserves the biblical echoes. BSB 'enveloped' and NIV 'covered' are clearer to modern ears but break the link to Exod 40:35 and Luke 1:35. NASB 'began to overshadow' best captures the ongoing tense.

How it drifted

In current English, 'overshadow' is mostly used figuratively: one thing 'overshadows' another by making it seem less important, or something casts a gloom. Neither is the point here.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exod 40:35 LXX: Moses could not enter the tent of meeting 'because the cloud was overshadowing it' (epeskiazen ep' autēn hē nephelē), the same verb form as here. Ps 90:4 LXX: 'with his shoulders he will overshadow you'. Luke 1:35: 'the power of the Most High will overshadow you'. Parallels: Mark 9:7; Matt 17:5.