Sacred Reception: ὑπάντησις (Strong’s G5222: hypantēsis) Welcomes Divine Presence

Strong’s G5222: A noun derived from ὑπαντάω (to meet), denoting a formal meeting or reception. Particularly significant in the New Testament as it describes the act of going out to meet someone important, especially in the context of welcoming Jesus as King during His triumphal entry.

U – Unveiling the Word

The noun ὑπάντησις represents more than a casual meeting; it embodies the concept of a formal reception or purposeful encounter. Derived from the verb ὑπαντάω, it carries the weight of intentional movement toward someone of importance. In the New Testament, its most significant usage occurs during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where it captures the deliberate act of the crowds going out to meet Him as King. The early church recognized this word’s importance in describing proper reception of divine presence. Today, it continues to teach us about the appropriate response to the Messiah’s presence – going out to meet Him with purpose and preparation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπάντησις, hypantēsis, /hy.pan.tē.sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-pän’-tā-sis (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From verb ὑπαντάω (hypantaō) meaning “to meet”
• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under/with”
• Root: ἀντάω (antaō) meaning “to meet”
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) forming abstract nouns of action

D – Defining Meanings

• A meeting
• A reception
• The act of going out to meet
• A formal welcome

For compound words: The prefix ὑπό combined with ἀντάω and the abstract noun suffix -σις creates the concept of a formal or purposeful act of meeting someone.

Translation Options:

• “reception” – emphasizes the formal nature
• “meeting encounter” – captures the active movement
• “welcoming assembly” – highlights the communal aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀπάντησις (apantēsis) /a.pan.tē.sis/ – meeting from a distance – See G529
• συνάντησις (synantēsis) /sy.nan.tē.sis/ – meeting together – See G4877
• παρουσία (parousia) /pa.rou.si.a/ – arrival, presence – See G3952

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this noun:

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

The noun can appear in different cases:

• Nominative: ὑπάντησις (the meeting)
• Genitive: ὑπαντήσεως (of the meeting)
• Dative: ὑπαντήσει (to/for the meeting)
• Accusative: ὑπάντησιν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into the significance of ὑπάντησις. BDAG emphasizes its use in formal contexts, particularly religious processions. Thayer’s highlights its connection to welcoming important figures. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for official receptions. Vine’s notes its special significance in describing meetings with divine presence. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from ὑπαντάω and its implications of purposeful meeting. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in formal welcomes and ceremonies, showing how it carried connotations of honor and respect in ancient culture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 12:13: “Took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet [ὑπάντησις] Him, and began to shout, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 25:1, Matthew 25:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπάντησις captures the profound moment when people intentionally go out to meet their King. Its use in Jesus’ triumphal entry presents a beautiful picture of recognition and worship. This word reminds us that encountering the Messiah requires intentional movement on our part – we must “go out” to meet Him. The good news includes this invitation to welcome King Jesus, not passively, but with active, purposeful reception of His presence and authority in our lives.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπάντησις appears in the crucial narrative of Jesus’ triumphal entry
• It’s used in the parable of the ten virgins going out to meet the bridegroom
• The word carried significant ceremonial weight in ancient royal receptions

Strong’s G5222: A noun derived from ὑπαντάω (to meet), denoting a formal meeting or reception. Particularly significant in the New Testament as it describes the act of going out to meet someone important, especially in the context of welcoming Jesus as King during His triumphal entry.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: meeting, reception, welcome, triumphal entry, palm Sunday, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, formal welcome, divine encounter, worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​