Sacred Submission: ὑπακοή (Strong’s G5218: hypakoē) Transforms Hearts Through Grace

Strong’s G5218: A compound noun derived from ὑπό (under) and ἀκούω (to hear), denoting attentive listening leading to obedience. This word expresses compliance based on hearing and understanding, representing a willing submission to divine authority rather than mere rule-following.

U – Unveiling the Word

The word ὑπακοή represents a profound theological concept that goes beyond simple obedience. Its compound structure combines “under” (ὑπό) with “hearing” (ἀκούω), suggesting an attentive listening that naturally leads to submission. In the New Testament, this word carries special significance as it describes the proper response to the gospel – not just hearing, but hearing with submission and allowing that hearing to transform one’s actions. The early church understood ὑπακοή as essential to discipleship, representing a complete reorientation of life under the Lordship of the Messiah. Today, this word challenges believers to move beyond surface-level compliance to a deeper, relationship-based obedience flowing from attentive listening to God’s Word.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπακοή, hypakoē, /hy.pa.ko.ˈeː/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-pä-kō-ā’ (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under”
• Root: ἀκούω (akouō) meaning “to hear”
• Suffix: -ή (-ē) feminine noun ending
• Combined meaning: “hearing under” or “submissive hearing”

D – Defining Meanings

• Obedience resulting from hearing
• Compliance based on understanding
• Attentive submission
• Faithful response to what is heard

For compound words: The prefix ὑπό suggests submission or being under authority, while ἀκούω contributes the aspect of hearing. The combination creates the concept of submission that flows from attentive hearing.

Translation Options:

• “attentive obedience” – emphasizes both hearing and response
• “submissive hearing” – highlights the receptive nature of true obedience
• “faith-driven compliance” – captures the willing response aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπακούω (hypakouō) /hy.pa.kou.ō/ – the verb form meaning “to obey” – See G5219
• εἰσακούω (eisakouō) /ei.sa.kou.ō/ – to listen to and heed – See G1522
• πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō) /pei.thar.khe.ō/ – to obey authority – See G3980

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this noun:

• Case: Nominative (base form)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The noun can appear in different cases:

• Nominative: ὑπακοή (subject)
• Genitive: ὑπακοῆς (of obedience)
• Dative: ὑπακοῇ (to/for obedience)
• Accusative: ὑπακοήν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insights into ὑπακοή’s theological significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to faith, noting how it often appears in contexts of responding to the gospel. Thayer’s highlights the word’s progression from hearing to obeying, showing how understanding leads to action. LSJ traces its development from classical usage to its specialized meaning in biblical contexts. Vine’s emphasizes the willing nature of this obedience, distinguishing it from forced compliance. Strong’s connects it to the concept of submissive hearkening. Moulton and Milligan document its use in ancient letters, showing how it conveyed respect and willing submission in relationships of authority.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 1:5: “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience [ὑπακοή] of faith among all the nations for His name’s sake.”

Additional References:
Romans 5:19, Romans 6:16, Romans 16:19, 2 Corinthians 7:15, 1 Peter 1:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The concept of ὑπακοή beautifully captures the essence of true biblical obedience – a willing submission that flows from attentive hearing of God’s Word. This word reveals that authentic obedience isn’t mere rule-following but a transformative response to hearing and understanding the gospel. The good news of King Jesus invites us into this kind of relationship-based obedience, where our submission flows naturally from hearing His voice and experiencing His love. It reminds us that true obedience is a gift of grace, enabled by the Spirit, and motivated by love for our King.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπακοή appears 15 times in the New Testament
• It’s used most frequently by Paul in his letter to the Romans
• The concept played a crucial role in early Christian understanding of discipleship

Strong’s G5218: A compound noun derived from ὑπό (under) and ἀκούω (to hear), denoting attentive listening leading to obedience. This word expresses compliance based on hearing and understanding, representing a willing submission to divine authority rather than mere rule-following.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: obedience, submission, hearing, faith response, discipleship, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Paul’s theology, spiritual growth, divine authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​