Divine Authority: ὑποκάτω (Strong’s G5270: hypokatō) Shows Complete Subjection

Strong’s G5270: A compound adverb joining hypo (under) and katō (down), meaning underneath or below. In biblical usage, it emphasizes complete subjection or subordination, often appearing in contexts of divine authority and judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑποκάτω (hypokatō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with κάτω (katō, “down”), creating an emphatic term for complete subordination or position underneath. In Mark 6:11, it appears in the context of symbolic judgment, describing dust beneath the feet. The early church used this word to express both divine authority and human submission to God’s sovereignty. Today, it continues to emphasize the complete authority of the Messiah and proper response to divine sovereignty, while also reminding us of accountability in gospel proclamation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποκάτω, hypokatō, hoop-o-KAT-oh
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + kat (as in “cat”) + oh (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• κάτω (katō) – adverb meaning “down”
  Combined to mean “underneath, below”

D – Defining Meanings

• Underneath
• Below
• Under the authority of

For compound words:

• ὑπό adds emphasis to the concept of under
• κάτω contributes the sense of downward position

Translation Options:

• “Underneath” – emphasizes physical position
• “Below” – indicates relative position
• “Under the authority of” – captures metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπό (hypo, hoop-O) – “under” – basic preposition
  See G5259
• κάτω (katō, KAT-oh) – “down, downward”
  See G2736
• ὑποκάτωθεν (hypokatōthen, hoop-o-KAT-o-then) – “from beneath”
  See G5271

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, ὑποκάτω:

• Is indeclinable (doesn’t change form)
• Can function as improper preposition with genitive
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Indicates position or relationship

Cross-references to related words:

• Prepositional form: ὑπό
• Related adjective: κατώτερος (lower)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons emphasize ὑποκάτω’s spatial and metaphorical significance. BDAG highlights its use in both literal and figurative contexts of subordination. Thayer’s notes its emphatic nature compared to simple ὑπό. LSJ traces its development in expressing complete subordination. Vine’s connects it to divine authority structures. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature suggesting complete lowering. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for both physical and authority relationships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 6:11: “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust [ὑποκάτω] under your feet as a testimony against them.”

Additional References:
Mark 7:28
Hebrews 2:8
Revelation 5:3
Revelation 5:13
Revelation 6:9
Revelation 12:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Republic	“The foundations lay [ὑποκάτω] beneath the entire structure.”
Aristotle: Physics	“All matter exists [ὑποκάτω] under the influence of natural laws.”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“The soldiers rested [ὑποκάτω] beneath the shade of trees.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑποκάτω powerfully expresses complete subordination to divine authority. Whether used literally or metaphorically, it reminds us that all creation falls under the Messiah’s sovereignty. The good news is that while this word can express judgment, it also reveals the protective aspects of being under divine authority. In King Jesus, being “under” His authority means finding shelter, protection, and proper ordering of life.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears frequently in Revelation’s throne room scenes
• It was used in ancient boundary markers to indicate property rights
• Early Christian writers used it to describe the church’s relationship to Christ

Strong’s G5270: A compound adverb joining hypo (under) and katō (down), meaning underneath or below. In biblical usage, it emphasizes complete subjection or subordination, often appearing in contexts of divine authority and judgment.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: authority, submission, position, divine sovereignty, judgment, revelation, relationship, order, subordination, spiritual authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​