Strong’s G5291: From hupo (under) and stronnuo (to spread), this verb describes the act of spreading something underneath, particularly garments or coverings. Its sole NT usage in Luke 19:36 depicts the crowd’s reverent reception of Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑποστρωννύω (hupostronnuo) embodies a profound act of reverence and submission in its New Testament context. As a compound word joining “under” with “to spread,” it describes the action of spreading something underneath, particularly as an act of honor. Its singular appearance in Luke’s Gospel captures a pivotal moment in the Messiah’s ministry – His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The spreading of garments under His path represented a traditional Middle Eastern practice of honoring royalty, dating back to ancient times. Early church fathers saw in this word a beautiful picture of self-sacrificial worship, as people literally placed their possessions under the feet of their King. Today, it continues to challenge believers to consider how we prepare the way for and honor our Lord.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποστρωννύω, hupostronnuo, hoo-po-STRONE-nu-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – STRONE (as in “thrown”) – nu (as in “new”) – o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• στρωννύω (stronnuo) – root verb meaning “to spread, strew”
  The combination creates the meaning of spreading something underneath.

D – Defining Meanings

• To spread underneath
• To strew under
• To lay down as a covering

For compound words:
The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with στρωννύω (spread) creates the specific meaning of spreading something as an underlayer or foundation.

Translation Options:

• “spread underneath” – Most literal translation capturing the spatial relationship
• “strew under” – Emphasizes the scattered nature of the action
• “lay down before” – Captures the reverential aspect in context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στρωννύω (stronnuo, STRONE-nu-o) – to spread, strew
  See G4766
• καταστρωννύω (katastronnuo, ka-ta-STRONE-nu-o) – to spread down, overthrow
  See G2693
• διαστρωννύω (diastronnuo, dee-a-STRONE-nu-o) – to spread throughout
  See G1271

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Example forms:

• ὑποστρωννύω – I spread under (Present Active Indicative)
• ὑπεστρώννυον – They were spreading under (Imperfect Active Indicative)
• ὑποστρωννύντες – spreading under (Present Active Participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical study of ὑποστρωννύω reveals its rich cultural and historical significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of honoring authority figures. Thayer’s connects it to ancient Near Eastern customs of showing reverence to royalty. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for preparing beds and laying foundations. Vine’s notes its unique appearance in Luke’s Gospel during the triumphal entry. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in civilian contexts for preparing roads and surfaces. Strong’s highlights its compound nature, while LEH notes its Septuagint usage for preparing sacred spaces. The collective evidence points to a word deeply connected with preparation and honor.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 19:36 “And as he went, they spread [ὑποστρωννύω] their clothes in the way.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποστρωννύω captures a profound act of worship and recognition of divine kingship in its sole New Testament appearance. Used to describe the crowds spreading their garments before Jesus during His triumphal entry, it represents more than just a physical act – it symbolizes complete submission and recognition of His lordship. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing how true worship involves laying down what we value most before Him, recognizing His rightful place as King of kings.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears only once in the New Testament, specifically during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
2. The act it describes was traditionally reserved for honoring kings in ancient Middle Eastern culture.
3. The same gesture was used when Jehu was proclaimed king in 2 Kings 9:13, showing its deep royal significance.

Strong’s G5291: From hupo (under) and stronnuo (to spread), this verb describes the act of spreading something underneath, particularly garments or coverings. Its sole NT usage in Luke 19:36 depicts the crowd’s reverent reception of Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: spreading, worship, triumphal-entry, reverence, honor, submission, kingship, preparation, royal-reception, palm-sunday, jerusalem, messianic-recognition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​