Devoted Obedience: ὑπήκοος (Strong’s G5255: hypēkoos) Models Messiah’s Submission

Strong’s G5255: An adjective derived from hypo (under) and akouō (to hear), meaning attentively listening and obedient. In biblical usage, it describes willing submission to authority, particularly exemplified in the Messiah’s perfect obedience to the Father.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπήκοος (hypēkoos) represents the ideal of attentive listening that leads to obedient action. In ancient Greek culture, this term emphasized not just compliance but an active engagement with authority. In New Testament usage, particularly in Acts 7:39 and Pauline epistles, it describes the proper response to divine authority. The early church fathers frequently used this term to describe both the Messiah’s perfect obedience and the believer’s calling to follow His example. Today, it continues to challenge believers to move beyond mere hearing to active, willing obedience that flows from faith and love.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπήκοος, hypēkoos, hoop-AY-ko-os
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + ay (as in “day”) + ko (as in “go”) + os (as in “moss”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• ἀκούω (akouō) – verb meaning “to hear”
• -ος (-os) – adjectival suffix
  Combined to mean “hearing under” or “submissively listening”

D – Defining Meanings

• Obedient
• Attentively listening
• Submissive to authority

For compound words:

• ὑπό (hypo) indicates position under authority
• ἀκούω (akouō) contributes the aspect of hearing/listening
• Combined, they express attentive listening leading to obedience

Translation Options:

• “Obedient” – emphasizes the resulting action
• “Attentively submissive” – captures both hearing and response
• “Compliantly listening” – highlights the willing nature of the submission

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō, pay-thar-KEH-oh) – “to obey authority”
  See G3980
• ὑπακούω (hypakouō, hoop-ak-OO-oh) – “to obey” – verbal form
  See G5219
• εὐπειθής (eupeithēs, yoo-pay-THACE) – “easily obeying”
  See G2138

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, ὑπήκοος exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, or Accusative
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, or Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine singular: ὑπήκοος
• Feminine singular: ὑπήκοος
• Neuter singular: ὑπήκοον
• Plural forms adjust accordingly

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπήκοος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to willing submission based on attentive listening. Thayer’s highlights the progression from hearing to obeying, noting its use in both secular and sacred contexts. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek, particularly in military and civic contexts. Vine’s connects it to Christian discipleship and the Messiah’s example. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature, while Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri describing loyal subjects and servants. The lexicons collectively emphasize that true obedience begins with attentive listening.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 7:39: “To whom our fathers would not [ὑπήκοος] be obedient, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 2:9
Philippians 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπήκοος beautifully captures the essence of true obedience that begins with attentive listening and results in willing action. This word points us to the perfect example of King Jesus, who was obedient to the Father even unto death. The good news is that through His perfect obedience, we receive salvation, and by His Spirit, we too can walk in obedience that flows from love rather than mere duty.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπήκοος was commonly used in military contexts to describe ideal soldier behavior
• The word influenced early Christian teaching about discipleship
• Its usage in Philippians 2:8 is part of an early Christian hymn

Strong’s G5255: An adjective derived from hypo (under) and akouō (to hear), meaning attentively listening and obedient. In biblical usage, it describes willing submission to authority, particularly exemplified in the Messiah’s perfect obedience to the Father.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: obedience, submission, listening, discipleship, authority, Christ’s example, faithfulness, service, spiritual growth, divine authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​