Persistent Prayer: ὑπωπιάζω (Strong’s G5299: hupopiazo) Shows Power of Perseverance

Strong’s G5299: From hupo (under) and ops (face), hupopiazo literally means to strike under the eye, causing a black eye. Figuratively used in NT for wearing down through persistence, especially in prayer contexts, and for disciplining the body in spiritual warfare.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπωπιάζω (hupopiazo) carries vivid imagery from the boxing ring to illustrate spiritual truths. Originally meaning “to give a black eye” or “to strike under the eye,” it developed metaphorical meanings of wearing someone down through persistence or bringing the body under strict control. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus uses this word in the parable of the persistent widow to describe how she continuously “wore down” the unjust judge. Paul employs it in 1 Corinthians to describe disciplining his body for spiritual effectiveness. Early church fathers saw in this word a powerful picture of both persistent prayer and spiritual discipline. Today, it continues to challenge believers regarding the intensity required in both prayer and personal spiritual discipline.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπωπιάζω, hupopiazo, hoo-po-pee-AD-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoó (as in “who”) – po (as in “post”) – pee (as in “pea”) – AD (as in “add”) – zo (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hupo) – prefix meaning “under”
• ὤψ (ops) – root noun meaning “eye, face”
• -άζω (-azo) – verb-forming suffix indicating repeated action

D – Defining Meanings

• To strike under the eye, give a black eye
• To wear down through persistence
• To discipline severely, bring under control

For compound words:
The combination of ὑπό (under) with ὤψ (eye) and the verb suffix -άζω creates an image of repeatedly striking under the eye, metaphorically extending to wearing down or disciplining.

Translation Options:

• “wear down” – Best captures the metaphorical meaning in prayer contexts
• “discipline” – Emphasizes the self-control aspect
• “buffet” – Combines physical and spiritual connotations

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κολαφίζω (kolaphizo, kol-a-FID-zo) – to strike with the fist
  See G2852
• δέρω (dero, DEH-ro) – to beat, scourge
  See G1194
• παιδεύω (paideuo, pai-DEU-o) – to discipline, train
  See G3811

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example forms:

• ὑπωπιάζω – I wear down (Present Active Indicative)
• ὑπωπιάσω – I will wear down (Future Active Indicative)
• ὑπωπιάζῃ – he/she may wear down (Present Active Subjunctive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical research reveals ὑπωπιάζω’s dramatic evolution from literal to metaphorical usage. BDAG emphasizes its development from boxing terminology to spiritual application. Thayer’s notes its use in both persistent prayer and spiritual discipline contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage in athletic contexts. Vine’s connects it to both spiritual warfare and prayer persistence. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its metaphorical use for wearing down opponents. Strong’s emphasizes its vivid imagery from boxing, while LEH notes similar metaphorical usage in Hellenistic literature. This evidence shows a term that powerfully bridges physical and spiritual combat.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 18:5 “Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary [ὑπωπιάζω] me.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 9:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπωπιάζω powerfully illustrates spiritual warfare on both prayer and personal discipline fronts. Its boxing imagery reminds us that spiritual battles require intensity and persistence. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing that persistent prayer moves heaven and disciplined living prepares us for His service. It encourages believers to approach both prayer and spiritual discipline with the focused determination of an athlete in training.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was originally used exclusively in boxing contexts for landing blows under the eye.
2. Early church martyrs used this term to describe their spiritual preparation for persecution.
3. Ancient Greek athletic trainers used this word for the disciplined conditioning of athletes.

Strong’s G5299: From hupo (under) and ops (face), hupopiazo literally means to strike under the eye, causing a black eye. Figuratively used in NT for wearing down through persistence, especially in prayer contexts, and for disciplining the body in spiritual warfare.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: persistence, discipline, prayer, spiritual-warfare, self-control, perseverance, boxing-metaphor, athletic-imagery, spiritual-discipline, determination, persistence-in-prayer, spiritual-training​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​