ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA GRIEGA
Hypó (G5259) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Hypó is a versatile Greek preposition meaning 'under' spatially, 'under the authority of' in subjection, and 'by' for agency after passive verbs.
Significado de la palabra
Hypó (ὑπό) is a Greek preposition that appears with the genitive, dative (absent in the NT), and accusative cases. Spatially it denotes 'under' or 'beneath,' and with the genitive it also marks the agent or means in passive constructions, often rendered 'by.'
Metaphorically, with the accusative, it expresses subjection or position under authority (e.g., 'under the law,' 'under a curse'), and occasionally time ('about,' as in Acts 5:21). In compounds it contributes ideas of subordination, secrecy, or diminution (e.g., ὑποτάσσω 'to subject,' ὑπακούω 'to obey').
The lexical entry notes that in composition it carries senses of subjection, compliance, secrecy, and lessening — making it a foundational preposition for many NT theological terms.
Uso en las Escrituras
In narrative contexts hypó with the genitive marks agency after passive verbs — prophecy spoken 'by the Lord' (Matt. 1:22), John baptizing 'by' whom Jesus came (Matt. 3:13), and Jesus 'led up by the Spirit' (Matt. 4:1). These highlight God as the supreme agent behind events.
With the accusative, hypó sets spatial or relational frames: a lamp placed 'under' a bushel (Matt. 5:15), a centurion 'under authority' with soldiers 'under' him (Matt. 8:9). This dual sense — spatial location and relational subordination — recurs throughout the NT, especially in Paul (e.g., Rom. 3:9; Gal. 3:22) where being 'under law' or 'under sin' shapes core theological argument.
La palabra en detalle
- G5259 Hypó combines literal spatial meaning ('under/beneath') with the grammatical use of marking the agent under genitive in passive constructions. Its accusative use extends 'under' into subjection or position under authority, shaping theological phrases like 'under the law.'
Versículos de ejemplo
- Matthew 1:22 Hypó with the genitive marks divine agency: the prophecy was spoken 'by the Lord' through the prophet — a classic example of the agent sense after a passive verb.
- Matthew 4:1 Jesus was 'led up by the Spirit' — hypó here expresses the Spirit as the agent of the temptation narrative, underscoring Spirit-led obedience.
- Matthew 5:15 Hypó with the accusative in a literal spatial sense: a lamp is not put 'under' the bushel but on a stand. A straightforward example of place-under.
- Matthew 8:9 The centurion describes himself 'under authority,' with soldiers 'under' him — hypó doubles to express both subjection to higher power and authority over subordinates.
Preguntas frecuentes
What does hypó mean in Greek?
Hypó (ὑπό) is a preposition meaning 'under' spatially. With the genitive it means 'by' as the agent of a passive verb; with the accusative it means 'under' in location or under someone's authority.
How is hypó used in the New Testament?
It marks agency after passive verbs (Matt. 1:22, Matt. 4:1), denotes physical location under something (Matt. 5:15), and expresses subjection under authority or law (Matt. 8:9; Rom. 3:9). It appears about 192 times in the NT.
Why is hypó important for theology?
Because hypó shapes phrases like 'under the law' and 'under sin,' it becomes a key preposition for Paul's argument about humanity's condition and Christ's redemption from it.