UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to press against, to push against

Semantic entry: 19.43

Semantic domains: Physical Impact

Subdomains: Press

Definition: to press or push against

Sense 2: to happen to, to fall upon

Semantic entry: 13.122

Semantic domains: Be, Become, Exist, Happen

Subdomains: Happen

Definition: to happen suddenly to, with the connotation of something bad and adverse

Notes: In a number of languages it is difficult to speak of ‘insults happening.’ Therefore, it may be necessary to restructure this expression in RV ROM 15:3 · LV ROM 15:3 · Read together ROM 15:3 as ‘they began insulting me in the same way they used to insult you.’

Sense 3: to hug, to embrace

Semantic entry: 34.64

Semantic domains: Association

Subdomains: Kiss, Embrace

Definition: (an idiom, literally: to fall on the neck) to show special affection for by throwing one’s arms around a person{N:001}

Notes: A literal translation of ἐπιπίπτω ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον ‘to fall on someone’s neck’ can be seriously misunderstood. In fact, in some languages it is so close to an expression meaning ‘to kill’ that one should normally avoid any literal rendering. At the same time, it is very important not to employ terms for ‘embrace’ and ‘kiss’ in RV ACT 20:37 · LV ACT 20:37 · Read together ACT 20:37 which might suggest improper sexual interests.

Collocations: ἐπιπίπτω ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον