[Greek] ἐπέρχομαι (eperchomai), [Latin] supervenire, [Latin] venire, [Latin] advenire, [German] kommen, [French] arriver: to come upon, to arrive, to overtake, to assault, to supervene; Lk.1:35, Lk.11:22, Lk.21:26,35, Acts 1:8, Acts 8:24, Acts 13:40, Acts 14:19, Eph.2:7, Jas.5:1
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to come, to draw near, to attack, to happen, to accomplish, to overflow, and to traverse.
Homer’s Iliad 12.20: “A bird had come upon them.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.95: “They were overtaken by the fleet.”
Euripides’ The Suppliants 155: “Did you consult seers?”
Isocrates’ Panathenaicus 12.24: “Whatever comes into their heads.”
Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 98: “Present misery and misery to come.”
Old Testament: This term refers mostly to things, events, and conditions which come upon man. This term refers less frequently to events or conditions which bring salvation. Until the Spirit from on high is poured out on us (Isa.32:15). Foretell the thing that shall come afterward (Isa.41:23). Who listens and pays heed for the time to come? (Isa.42:23).
New Testament: This term means to come, to attack, to arrive, and to happen. The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary to allow the birth of Jesus. There will be signs in the world and heaven upon the coming of the Son of Man. The Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles, beginning their Christian mission. What was said by the prophets comes about in fulfillent of prophecy. The rich persons’ wallowing over their passing riches will come. Future destruction will come to those who do not remain vigilant.
Scripture:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day will catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.” Lk.21:34-35
One is cautioned to be vigilant and drowsy or consumed by anxieties, carousing, and drunkenness.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout the Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This becomes the starting point for the mission of the Christian disciples to the ends of the earth.
“Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.”
Life is transitory on this world. The rich are denounced and wealth will rot away.
Conclusion:
Come, coming, arrival, arrive, advent, supervene (come on top of)
In Greek Hellenism, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced examples of this term. Such examples include consulting seers, days to come, ideas coming into one’s head.
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirt will come upon Mary and overshadow her. Signs in the earth and heavens will occur upon the coming of the Son of Man. Future events come about through Old Testament prophecy. The temporary world and its riches will come to pass.
Come now, don’t worry, I tried to not make this post too long. As usual, expect more posts to come!