Strong’s G5288: From hupo (under) and stello (to place, arrange), hupostello means to withdraw, draw back, or shrink. In NT usage, it particularly refers to holding back from declaring truth, often due to fear. This compound verb carries implications of moral courage versus cowardice in proclamation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑποστέλλω (hupostello) embodies a profound theological concept of withdrawal or shrinking back, especially in the context of proclaiming truth. As a compound word combining ὑπό (under) and στέλλω (to place), it literally paints a picture of “placing oneself under” or “drawing back.” In the New Testament, particularly in Acts and Galatians, it carries significant weight regarding moral courage in gospel proclamation. Paul uses it to emphasize his complete transparency and boldness in teaching, declaring that he “did not shrink back” from proclaiming the whole counsel of God. This word remains deeply relevant today as believers face increasing pressure to compromise or withdraw from bold truth-telling in an increasingly hostile world.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποστέλλω, hupostello, hoo-po-STEL-lo
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – STEL (as in “stellar”) – lo (as in “low”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• στέλλω (stello) – root verb meaning “to place, arrange, withdraw”
  The prefix ὑπό adds the notion of secrecy or concealment to the root verb’s action.

D – Defining Meanings

• To withdraw oneself, to draw back
• To shrink from declaring something
• To conceal, keep back, suppress

For compound words:
ὑπό (under) + στέλλω (place) creates the image of placing oneself under cover or withdrawing from view, metaphorically extending to withholding speech or action.

Translation Options:

• “shrink back” – Best captures the moral implications of cowardice
• “withdraw” – Emphasizes the physical action that metaphorically represents the spiritual reality
• “hold back” – Reflects the deliberate nature of the action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποστέλλω (apostello, ap-os-TEL-lo) – to send forth with authority
  See G649
• περιστέλλω (peristello, per-ee-STEL-lo) – to wrap around, cover
  See G4019
• συστέλλω (sustello, soo-STEL-lo) – to draw together, contract
  See G4958

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist), Resultative (Perfect)

Example morphological forms:

• ὑποστέλλω (Present Active Indicative) – I am shrinking back
• ὑπεστειλάμην (Aorist Middle Indicative) – I shrank back
• ὑποστελλόμενος (Present Middle Participle) – shrinking back

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The rich lexical history of ὑποστέλλω reveals its development from a nautical term meaning to lower or furl sails to its metaphorical usage in moral and religious contexts. BDAG emphasizes its connection to moral courage, particularly in Acts 20:20,27, where Paul uses it to highlight his pastoral integrity. Thayer’s expands on its commercial usage in ancient Greek, where it could mean to dissemble or conceal for profit. LSJ notes its classical usage in military contexts for strategic withdrawal. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its use in legal contexts for withholding information. Vine’s connects it to the theme of apostasy in Hebrews, while Strong’s emphasizes its basic meaning of withdrawal.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 20:20 “How I kept back [ὑποστέλλω] nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house”

Additional References:
Acts 20:27, Galatians 2:12, Hebrews 10:38

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποστέλλω powerfully encapsulates the spiritual battle between boldness and timidity in proclaiming God’s truth. Paul’s usage in Acts 20:20 sets a high standard for pastoral ministry and discipleship, emphasizing complete transparency and courage in gospel proclamation. This word serves as both a warning against and a description of the human tendency to shrink back from truth-telling when faced with opposition. In our current cultural moment, understanding ὑποστέλλω reminds us that the good news of King Jesus demands bold, uncompromising proclamation, even in the face of potential persecution or social cost.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally came from sailing terminology, describing the action of lowering sails.
2. Paul uses this word to defend his ministry integrity by stating what he didn’t do – he didn’t hold back.
3. In ancient Greek law courts, this word was used to describe witnesses withholding evidence.

Strong’s G5288: From hupo (under) and stello (to place, arrange), hupostello means to withdraw, draw back, or shrink. In NT usage, it particularly refers to holding back from declaring truth, often due to fear. This compound verb carries implications of moral courage versus cowardice in proclamation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: withdrawal, shrinking-back, fear, boldness, proclamation, courage, truth-telling, apostasy, integrity, pastoral-ministry, gospel-proclamation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​