Divine Intercession: ὑπερεντυγχάνω (Strong’s G5241: hyperentygchanō) Reveals Spirit’s Help

Strong’s G5241: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (on behalf of) and ἐντυγχάνω (to intercede), meaning “to make intercession for, plead on behalf of.” Used exclusively of the Holy Spirit’s role in interceding for believers with unutterable groanings.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπερεντυγχάνω expresses a profound concept of divine intercession. As a compound word combining “on behalf of” (ὑπέρ) with “to intercede” (ἐντυγχάνω), it describes the Holy Spirit’s unique ministry of interceding for believers. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically to describe how the Spirit helps us in our weakness by pleading our cause with expressions beyond human speech. The early church recognized this word as revealing the intimate involvement of the Spirit in believers’ prayer lives. Today, this word continues to comfort us with the truth that the Spirit Himself advocates for us when words fail.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερεντυγχάνω, hyperentygchanō, /hy.per.en.tyn.kha.nō/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-en-tüng-khä’-nō (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “on behalf of”
• Root: ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō) meaning “to intercede”
• Combined meaning: “to intercede supremely for”

D – Defining Meanings

• To intercede for
• To plead on behalf of
• To advocate supremely
• To make petition for

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ intensifies ἐντυγχάνω’s meaning of intercession, creating the concept of supreme or perfect intercession.

Translation Options:

• “to intercede supremely” – emphasizes excellence of intercession
• “to plead perfectly” – captures divine effectiveness
• “to advocate powerfully” – highlights supernatural assistance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō) /en.tyn.kha.nō/ – to intercede – See G1793
• προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai) /pro.seu.kho.mai/ – to pray – See G4336
• δέομαι (deomai) /de.o.mai/ – to beseech – See G1189

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

Common forms include:

• ὑπερεντυγχάνει – He intercedes
• ὑπερεντυγχάνων – interceding (participle)
• ὑπερεντυγχάνειν – to intercede (infinitive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπερεντυγχάνω’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its unique application to the Spirit’s intercessory ministry. Thayer’s notes how the ὑπέρ prefix intensifies the concept of intercession. LSJ traces similar compound words in contexts of advocacy. Vine’s highlights its exclusive use for the Spirit’s work. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of perfect intercession. Moulton and Milligan note its rare usage, suggesting its specialized theological significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 8:26: “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes [ὑπερεντυγχάνω] for us with groanings too deep for words.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of ὑπερεντυγχάνω in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερεντυγχάνω powerfully expresses the Holy Spirit’s intimate involvement in our prayer life. It reveals that we are never alone in our attempts to communicate with God. This word proclaims the good news by showing that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit Himself perfectly presents our needs before the Father. It reminds us that our weakness in prayer is met by divine strength through the Spirit’s perfect intercession.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερεντυγχάνω appears only once in the New Testament
• It’s used exclusively of the Holy Spirit’s ministry
• The word influenced early church understanding of prayer

Strong’s G5241: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (on behalf of) and ἐντυγχάνω (to intercede), meaning “to make intercession for, plead on behalf of.” Used exclusively of the Holy Spirit’s role in interceding for believers with unutterable groanings.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: intercession, Holy Spirit, prayer, advocacy, divine help, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, spiritual assistance, weakness, communication with God​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​