Marital Wisdom: ὑπέρακμος (Strong’s G5230: hyperakmos) Guides Sacred Decisions

Strong’s G5230: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (beyond) and ἀκμή (prime), meaning “past the bloom of youth” or “beyond the prime.” Used in Paul’s counsel regarding marriage, particularly addressing questions about the timing of marriage decisions.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adjective ὑπέρακμος represents a sensitive consideration of maturity and timing in relation to marriage. As a compound word combining “beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “prime” (ἀκμή), it describes someone who has passed the conventional age for marriage in ancient culture. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically in his guidance about marriage decisions in 1 Corinthians 7. The early church understood this word as addressing both the practical and spiritual dimensions of marriage timing. Today, this word continues to provide wisdom about considering personal maturity and circumstances in making life decisions, particularly regarding marriage.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπέρακμος, hyperakmos, /hy.per.ak.mos/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-äk’-mos (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: ἀκμή (akmē) meaning “prime, point”
• Combined meaning: “beyond the prime”

D – Defining Meanings

• Past the prime of youth
• Beyond marriageable age
• Past the flower of age
• Of full maturity

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ (beyond) combined with ἀκμή (prime) creates the concept of having passed beyond the customary age or time for marriage.

Translation Options:

• “past marriageable age” – emphasizes cultural timing
• “of full maturity” – highlights developmental aspect
• “beyond prime years” – captures temporal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἡλικία (hēlikia) /hē.li.ki.a/ – age, maturity – See G2244
• τέλειος (teleios) /te.lei.os/ – complete, mature – See G5046
• ἀκμάζω (akmazō) /ak.ma.zō/ – to be in prime – See G187

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this adjective:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine
• Declension: Second

The adjective can appear as:

• ὑπέρακμος (masculine)
• ὑπερακμος (feminine)
• ὑπέρακμον (neuter)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable understanding of ὑπέρακμος’s meaning and context. BDAG emphasizes its use in discussing marriage timing and maturity. Thayer’s notes its specific application to those past the conventional age for marriage. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek regarding age and development. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Paul’s marriage counsel. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications for proper timing. Moulton and Milligan document its use in social contexts where age and marriage were discussed.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 7:36: “But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth [ὑπέρακμος], and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let them marry.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπέρακμος reveals God’s wisdom in addressing practical life decisions within spiritual guidance. Paul uses this term to show how the gospel addresses real-life situations with grace and wisdom. This word proclaims the good news by demonstrating that the Messiah’s lordship extends to our most personal decisions, providing guidance while respecting individual circumstances and maturity. It shows how faith and practical wisdom work together in Kingdom living.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπέρακμος appears only once in the New Testament
• It was a delicate term used in marriage discussions
• The word influenced early church teachings on marriage timing

Strong’s G5230: A compound adjective combining ὑπέρ (beyond) and ἀκμή (prime), meaning “past the bloom of youth” or “beyond the prime.” Used in Paul’s counsel regarding marriage, particularly addressing questions about the timing of marriage decisions.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: marriage, maturity, wisdom, timing, Paul’s teaching, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, relationships, decision-making, pastoral counsel​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​