Sacred Solitude: ὑποχωρέω (Strong’s G5298: hupochoreo) Models Messiah’s Prayer Life

Strong’s G5298: From hupo (under) and choreo (to make room), hupochoreo describes the act of withdrawing or retiring, particularly for spiritual purposes. In Luke’s Gospel, it specifically depicts Jesus’ practice of withdrawing to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑποχωρέω (hupochoreo) carries profound spiritual significance in its depiction of intentional withdrawal. As a compound word combining “under” with “make room,” it describes a deliberate movement away from activity into solitude. In the New Testament, Luke uses this word to describe Jesus’ pattern of withdrawing from crowds for prayer and communion with the Father. This wasn’t mere escape but purposeful retreat for spiritual renewal. Early church fathers saw in this word a model for spiritual discipline, emphasizing the need for believers to regularly withdraw from life’s demands for prayer and reflection. Today, it continues to challenge our always-connected culture, reminding us of the essential need for sacred solitude.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποχωρέω, hupochoreo, hoo-po-kho-REH-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – kho (as in “chorus”) – REH (as in “ray”) – o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• χωρέω (choreo) – root verb meaning “to make room, give space”
  The combination suggests moving away under or withdrawing quietly.

D – Defining Meanings

• To withdraw
• To retire from
• To make room by withdrawing

For compound words:
The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with χωρέω (make room) creates the concept of quietly making space by withdrawing or retiring from a situation.

Translation Options:

• “withdraw” – Emphasizes the movement away
• “retire” – Captures the intentional nature of the action
• “retreat” – Suggests purposeful withdrawal for renewal

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀναχωρέω (anachoreo, an-a-kho-REH-o) – to depart, return
  See G402
• παραχωρέω (parachoreo, pa-ra-kho-REH-o) – to yield place, give way
  See G3935
• χωρίζω (chorizo, kho-RID-zo) – to separate, depart
  See G5563

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

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

Example forms:

• ὑποχωρέω – I withdraw (Present Active Indicative)
• ὑπεχώρησεν – he withdrew (Aorist Active Indicative)
• ὑποχωρῶν – withdrawing (Present Active Participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical study of ὑποχωρέω reveals its spiritual significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of purposeful withdrawal. Thayer’s notes its distinction from mere flight or escape, highlighting intentional retreat. LSJ documents its classical usage for tactical withdrawals and personal retirement. Vine’s connects it to spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use for official retirement from duties. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting measured withdrawal, while LEH notes its Septuagint usage for strategic retreat. This evidence points to a term expressing purposeful withdrawal for spiritual renewal.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 5:16 “And He withdrew [ὑποχωρέω] himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”

Additional References:
Luke 9:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑποχωρέω beautifully captures the spiritual discipline of sacred withdrawal. Through Jesus’ example, we see that withdrawal isn’t escape but strategic retreat for spiritual renewal. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing His human need for communion with the Father, making our own need for spiritual retreat both validated and vital. It reminds us that effectiveness in ministry flows from times of purposeful withdrawal into God’s presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears only in Luke’s Gospel, reflecting his interest in Jesus’ prayer life.
2. Ancient Greek philosophers used this term for retreating from public life for contemplation.
3. Early desert fathers referenced this word to justify their lifestyle of spiritual solitude.

Strong’s G5298: From hupo (under) and choreo (to make room), hupochoreo describes the act of withdrawing or retiring, particularly for spiritual purposes. In Luke’s Gospel, it specifically depicts Jesus’ practice of withdrawing to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: withdrawal, solitude, prayer, spiritual-disciplines, retreat, communion-with-God, Jesus-prayer-life, meditation, spiritual-renewal, sacred-space, wilderness-experience, intentional-solitude​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​