Divine Protection: ὑποτρέχω (Strong’s G5295: hupotrecho) Guides Through Life’s Storms

Strong’s G5295: From hupo (under) and trecho (to run), hupotrecho describes running under the lee or shelter of something, particularly in nautical contexts. Its sole NT usage in Acts 27:16 depicts Paul’s ship finding shelter during a storm.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑποτρέχω (hupotrecho) emerges from maritime terminology, describing the action of running under the shelter of something, particularly a small island or landmass that provides protection from storms. This compound word combines the concepts of “under” and “running,” painting a vivid picture of seeking refuge. Its single New Testament appearance in Acts 27:16 captures a crucial moment in Paul’s journey to Rome, where the ship finds temporary shelter under a small island during a violent storm. Early church fathers often used this word metaphorically to describe finding refuge in God during life’s storms. Today, it continues to resonate as a powerful image of divine protection and guidance through turbulent times.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποτρέχω, hupotrecho, hoo-po-TREK-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – TREK (as in “trek”) – o (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• τρέχω (trecho) – root verb meaning “to run”
  The combination suggests running under for shelter or protection.

D – Defining Meanings

• To run under for shelter
• To take refuge under something
• To sail under the lee of something

For compound words:
The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with τρέχω (run) creates the specific nautical concept of running under the shelter of a landmass for protection.

Translation Options:

• “run under” – Most literal translation but lacks nautical context
• “sail under” – Better captures the maritime context
• “take shelter under” – Best conveys the protective aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρατρέχω (paratrecho, pa-ra-TREK-o) – to run past
  See G3936
• περιτρέχω (peritrecho, pe-ree-TREK-o) – to run around
  See G4063
• συντρέχω (suntrecho, soon-TREK-o) – to run together
  See G4936

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Example forms:

• ὑποτρέχω – I run under (Present Active Indicative)
• ὑποδραμόντες – having run under (Aorist Active Participle)
• ὑποτρέχων – running under (Present Active Participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical analysis of ὑποτρέχω reveals its specialized maritime usage. BDAG emphasizes its technical nature in ancient navigation. Thayer’s notes its specific application to ships seeking shelter from storms. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical Greek maritime literature. Vine’s connects it to the broader theme of divine protection in Acts. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in shipping documents. Strong’s highlights its compound nature, while LEH notes similar usage in Hellenistic maritime contexts. The collective evidence suggests a term deeply embedded in ancient Mediterranean seafaring practices.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:16 “And running [ὑποτρέχω] under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποτρέχω, though appearing only once in Scripture, provides a powerful metaphor for God’s protection during life’s storms. Its nautical usage in Acts 27:16 reminds us that even in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations, God provides shelter and guidance. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing how He remains our refuge in times of trouble, just as the small island provided shelter for Paul’s ship. It encourages believers to run under His protection rather than trying to weather life’s storms alone.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was a technical term in ancient Mediterranean navigation.
2. Its only New Testament usage occurs during the most detailed account of ancient seafaring in Scripture.
3. Early Christians adapted this nautical term into spiritual metaphors for divine protection.

Strong’s G5295: From hupo (under) and trecho (to run), hupotrecho describes running under the lee or shelter of something, particularly in nautical contexts. Its sole NT usage in Acts 27:16 depicts Paul’s ship finding shelter during a storm.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: shelter, protection, navigation, maritime-terms, storms, refuge, divine-protection, paul’s-journey, acts-27, nautical-terms, sailing, god’s-guidance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​