Sacred Marriage: ὕπανδρος (Strong’s G5220: hypandros) Reflects Covenant Union

Strong’s G5220: A compound adjective combining ὑπό (under) and ἀνήρ (man/husband), meaning “under a man” or “married to a husband.” Used in legal and religious contexts to describe a woman’s marital status and her position within the covenant of marriage.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adjective ὕπανδρος carries deep significance in both its linguistic structure and theological implications. As a compound word combining “under” (ὑπό) with “man/husband” (ἀνήρ), it describes a woman who is “under a husband” or in a marriage covenant. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically in Romans to illustrate the binding nature of the law and our freedom in the Messiah. The early church understood this term as both describing the legal status of marriage and serving as a powerful metaphor for the believer’s relationship with the Messiah. Today, this word continues to illuminate our understanding of both marriage and our spiritual union with the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕπανδρος, hypandros, /hy.pan.dros/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü’-pän-drŏs (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under”
• Root: ἀνήρ (anēr) meaning “man/husband”
• Combined to mean “under a husband’s authority”

D – Defining Meanings

• Married (of a woman)
• Under a husband
• Subject to a husband
• In wedlock

For compound words: The prefix ὑπό (under) combined with ἀνήρ (man/husband) creates the concept of being under the authority of a husband, emphasizing the covenantal nature of marriage.

Translation Options:

• “married” – simple but loses the nuance of authority
• “under a husband” – literal translation preserving both components
• “in wedlock” – formal term emphasizing legal status

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γαμέω (gameō) /ga.me.ō/ – to marry – See G1060
• νυμφεύω (nympheuō) /nym.pheu.ō/ – to betroth – See G3423
• συνοικέω (synoikeō) /sy.noi.ke.ō/ – to dwell together – See G4924

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this adjective:

• Case: Nominative (base form)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second

The adjective can appear in different forms:

• Nominative: ὕπανδρος (married woman as subject)
• Genitive: ὑπάνδρου (of a married woman)
• Dative: ὑπάνδρῳ (to/for a married woman)
• Accusative: ὕπανδρον (married woman as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable insights into ὕπανδρος’s usage and significance. BDAG emphasizes its legal implications in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Thayer’s notes its specific application to married women and its role in Paul’s theological arguments. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature, showing its consistent meaning across various periods. Vine’s highlights its use as a technical term for marriage status. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of authority. Moulton and Milligan document its use in marriage contracts and legal documents, demonstrating its formal nature in ancient society.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 7:2: “For the married [ὕπανδρος] woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὕπανδρος beautifully captures both the legal and spiritual dimensions of marriage. Paul uses this precise term to illustrate our relationship with the law and, by extension, our new relationship with the Messiah. This word speaks to the good news by showing how marriage reflects the covenant relationship between the Messiah and His church. Just as a married woman is bound to her husband by law, believers are bound to the Messiah by love and grace, enjoying the intimacy and security of this divine union.

D – Did You Know?

• ὕπανδρος appears only once in the New Testament
• The word was commonly used in ancient marriage contracts
• It carries both legal and spiritual connotations in Paul’s teaching

Strong’s G5220: A compound adjective combining ὑπό (under) and ἀνήρ (man/husband), meaning “under a man” or “married to a husband.” Used in legal and religious contexts to describe a woman’s marital status and her position within the covenant of marriage.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: marriage, covenant, authority, submission, Paul’s teaching, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, legal terms, relationships, spiritual union​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​