Godly Submission: ὑπείκω (Strong’s G5226: hypeikō) Yields to Divine Authority

Strong’s G5226: A compound verb combining ὑπό (under) and εἴκω (to yield/give way), denoting voluntary submission to authority. Used uniquely in Hebrews 13:17 to describe proper response to spiritual leadership, emphasizing willing submission rather than forced compliance.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπείκω expresses a profound concept of voluntary submission. As a compound word, it combines “under” (ὑπό) with “to yield” (εἴκω), creating a picture of willingly placing oneself under authority. Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its usage in Hebrews 13:17 carries significant weight in establishing proper relationships within the church community. The early church understood this term as describing a mature spiritual response to leadership, distinct from mere obedience. Today, this word continues to teach us about the nature of biblical submission – not as forced subjugation, but as a willing response to God-ordained authority.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπείκω, hypeikō, /hy.pei.kō/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-pay’-kō (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under”
• Root: εἴκω (eikō) meaning “to yield, give way”
• Combined meaning: “to yield under authority”

D – Defining Meanings

• To yield
• To give way
• To submit
• To defer to authority

For compound words: The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with εἴκω (to yield) creates the concept of voluntarily placing oneself under authority through yielding.

Translation Options:

• “to submit willingly” – emphasizes voluntary nature
• “to yield respectfully” – captures attitude of submission
• “to give way properly” – highlights appropriate response

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō) /hy.po.tas.sō/ – to subordinate oneself – See G5293
• ὑπακούω (hypakouō) /hy.pa.kou.ō/ – to listen and obey – See G5219
• πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō) /pei.thar.khe.ō/ – to obey authority – See G3980

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this verb:

• Tense: Present (base form)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative
• Person: Second
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The verb emphasizes ongoing action:

• ὑπείκω – I yield
• ὑπείκετε – you (plural) yield (imperative)
• ὑπείκειν – to yield (infinitive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable insights into ὑπείκω’s meaning and significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of proper response to legitimate authority. Thayer’s highlights its voluntary nature, distinguishing it from forced submission. LSJ traces its classical usage in military and civic contexts where orderly yielding was crucial. Vine’s notes its unique appearance in Hebrews and its significance for church order. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of willing submission. Moulton and Milligan document its use in contexts where proper respect for authority was being discussed.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit [ὑπείκω] to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπείκω beautifully captures the essence of biblical submission in the body of the Messiah. Its single use in Hebrews 13:17 powerfully illustrates how the Kingdom operates through willing submission to godly authority. This word proclaims the good news by showing that true freedom in the Messiah includes joyful submission to His appointed leaders. Just as He submitted to the Father’s will, we find our place in His body through humble, willing submission to those He has placed over us.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπείκω appears only once in the New Testament
• It was commonly used in military contexts for proper chain of command
• The word influenced early church understanding of leadership structure

Strong’s G5226: A compound verb combining ὑπό (under) and εἴκω (to yield/give way), denoting voluntary submission to authority. Used uniquely in Hebrews 13:17 to describe proper response to spiritual leadership, emphasizing willing submission rather than forced compliance.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: submission, authority, leadership, church order, yielding, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, spiritual authority, willing obedience, church leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​