Divine Returns: ὑποστρέφω (Strong’s G5290: hupostrepho) Reveals Sacred Homecomings

Strong’s G5290: A compound verb combining hupo (under) and strepho (to turn), hupostrepho signifies returning or turning back. In NT usage, it often describes physical returns with spiritual significance, particularly in Luke-Acts, where it frequently depicts returns after divine encounters.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑποστρέφω (hupostrepho) carries rich theological significance in its depiction of returning or turning back. As a compound word, it combines the concepts of “under” and “turning,” suggesting a deliberate, purposeful return. In the New Testament, particularly in Luke’s writings, it often describes physical returns that carry spiritual significance – such as the shepherds returning after seeing the infant Messiah, or disciples returning from mission work. The early church saw in this word a picture of both physical and spiritual homecoming, often connecting it to themes of repentance and restoration. Today, this word continues to speak to our understanding of spiritual journey and return, reminding us that our paths often involve both going forth and coming back to where God has placed us.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποστρέφω, hupostrepho, hoo-po-STREH-fo
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – STREH (as in “stretch”) – fo (as in “foe”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• στρέφω (strepho) – root verb meaning “to turn”
  The combination suggests a turning back under or returning to a previous position.

D – Defining Meanings

• To turn back or return
• To come back to a previous place
• To revert to a previous state or condition

For compound words:
The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with στρέφω (turn) creates the concept of turning back under one’s own steps, emphasizing the completeness of the return journey.

Translation Options:

• “return” – Captures the basic movement back to a starting point
• “turn back” – Emphasizes the deliberate change of direction
• “come back” – Suggests completion of a round trip journey

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐπιστρέφω (epistrepho, ep-ee-STREH-fo) – to turn toward, convert
  See G1994
• ἀποστρέφω (apostrepho, ap-o-STREH-fo) – to turn away from
  See G654
• διαστρέφω (diastrepho, dee-a-STREH-fo) – to distort, pervert
  See G1294

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Example forms:

• ὑποστρέφω – I am returning (Present Active Indicative)
• ὑπέστρεψα – I returned (Aorist Active Indicative)
• ὑποστρέψας – having returned (Aorist Active Participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical evidence for ὑποστρέφω reveals its rich usage in both secular and sacred contexts. BDAG emphasizes its frequent occurrence in Luke-Acts, where it often carries theological significance beyond mere physical movement. Thayer’s notes its use in the Septuagint for Hebrew שׁוּב (shuv), linking it to the concept of repentance. LSJ documents its classical usage for military retreats and civilian returns. Vine’s highlights its relationship to spiritual conversion when used in conjunction with ἐπί (epi). Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its common use in travel documents. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word, while LEH notes its frequent use in narrative sequences.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 14:40 “And when he returned [ὑποστρέφω], he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.”

Additional References:
Luke 2:20, Luke 4:1, Luke 8:37, Luke 9:10, Luke 10:17, Acts 1:12, Acts 8:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποστρέφω beautifully captures both physical and spiritual aspects of return in the biblical narrative. Its frequent use in Luke-Acts often marks significant moments of spiritual transformation or mission completion. This word reminds us that in the good news of King Jesus, our returns are as significant as our departures. Whether it’s the shepherds returning after witnessing the newborn Messiah, disciples returning from ministry, or the Ethiopian eunuch returning home with his new faith, ὑποστρέφω teaches us that our spiritual journeys often involve coming back transformed by our encounters with God.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears most frequently in Luke’s writings, accounting for over 60% of its New Testament usage.
2. It’s often used to describe returns after significant spiritual encounters or divine revelations.
3. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates the Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuv), which is also used for repentance.

Strong’s G5290: A compound verb combining hupo (under) and strepho (to turn), hupostrepho signifies returning or turning back. In NT usage, it often describes physical returns with spiritual significance, particularly in Luke-Acts, where it frequently depicts returns after divine encounters.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: return, homecoming, transformation, journey, mission, conversion, turning-back, spiritual-encounters, Luke-Acts, divine-encounters, physical-movement, spiritual-significance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​