Sacred Stewardship: ὕπαρξις (Strong’s G5223: hyparxis) Reveals Kingdom Generosity

Strong’s G5223: A noun derived from ὑπάρχω (to begin, exist, possess), denoting possessions, goods, or substance. Used in the New Testament to describe material belongings, particularly in the context of early Christian community sharing and sacrificial giving for Kingdom purposes.

U – Unveiling the Word

The noun ὕπαρξις carries deep significance in its representation of material possessions and their proper use in God’s kingdom. Derived from ὑπάρχω (to possess or exist), it encompasses not just the idea of ownership but the fundamental nature of what one has. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts of radical generosity and communal sharing among early believers. The early church understood ὕπαρξις as representing not mere possessions but resources entrusted by God for Kingdom purposes. Today, this word continues to challenge our understanding of ownership and stewardship, reminding us that all we have exists for divine purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕπαρξις, hyparxis, /hy.park.sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü’-pärk-sis (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From verb ὑπάρχω (hyparchō) meaning “to exist, possess”
• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under”
• Root: ἄρχω (archō) meaning “to begin, rule”
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) forming abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Possessions
• Goods
• Property
• Substance

For compound words: The combination of ὑπό (under) with ἄρχω (to begin/rule) and the abstract noun suffix -σις creates the concept of what exists under one’s authority or possession.

Translation Options:

• “possessions” – emphasizes ownership aspect
• “substance” – highlights the material nature
• “belongings” – captures personal ownership while implying responsibility

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κτῆμα (ktēma) /ktē.ma/ – possession, especially property – See G2933
• ὑπάρχοντα (hyparchonta) /hy.par.khon.ta/ – possessions as participle – See G5224
• περιούσιος (periousios) /pe.ri.ou.si.os/ – possession as special property – See G4041

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this noun:

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

The noun can appear in different cases:

• Nominative: ὕπαρξις (the possession)
• Genitive: ὑπάρξεως (of the possession)
• Dative: ὑπάρξει (to/for the possession)
• Accusative: ὕπαρξιν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable insights into ὕπαρξις’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its connection to material possessions in the context of early Christian community. Thayer’s notes its derivation from ὑπάρχω and its concrete reference to goods and property. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek, showing its development from abstract existence to concrete possessions. Vine’s highlights its use in contexts of sacrificial giving. Strong’s connects it to the fundamental idea of existence and possession. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for legal descriptions of property and possessions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 2:45: “And they began selling their property and possessions [ὕπαρξις] and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 10:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὕπαρξις powerfully illustrates the early church’s understanding of possessions as tools for Kingdom purposes. Its use in Acts shows how the first believers viewed their belongings not as personal property but as resources for building community and serving others. This word proclaims the good news by showing how the Messiah’s lordship transforms our view of ownership – all we have belongs to Him and exists for His purposes. It challenges us to practice radical generosity as a testament to His grace.

D – Did You Know?

• ὕπαρξις appears only twice in the New Testament
• It played a crucial role in describing the early church’s practice of sharing
• The word influenced early Christian teaching on stewardship and generosity

Strong’s G5223: A noun derived from ὑπάρχω (to begin, exist, possess), denoting possessions, goods, or substance. Used in the New Testament to describe material belongings, particularly in the context of early Christian community sharing and sacrificial giving for Kingdom purposes.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: possessions, stewardship, generosity, early church, community, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, property, Kingdom economics, sharing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​