Spiritual Understanding: ὑπολαμβάνω (Strong’s G5274: hypolambanō) Reveals Divine Truth

Strong’s G5274: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with lambanō (to take), meaning to take up in mind, suppose, or receive. In biblical usage, it describes the mental process of understanding or receiving truth, particularly in spiritual contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπολαμβάνω (hypolambanō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with λαμβάνω (lambanō, “to take”), creating a word that describes the process of taking something up mentally for consideration. In Luke 7:43, it appears in a dialogue about understanding spiritual truth through parables. The early church used this term to describe the reception and comprehension of divine truth. Today, it reminds us that spiritual understanding requires both receptivity and careful consideration.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπολαμβάνω, hypolambanō, hoop-o-lam-BAN-oh
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + lam (as in “lamb”) + ban (as in “ban”) + oh (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – verb meaning “to take”
  Combined to mean “to take up mentally”

D – Defining Meanings

• To suppose
• To answer thoughtfully
• To receive mentally

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates underlying consideration
• λαμβάνω contributes the aspect of taking or receiving

Translation Options:

• “Suppose” – emphasizes mental consideration
• “Take up in thought” – maintains literal meaning
• “Answer thoughtfully” – captures responsive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• νομίζω (nomizō, nom-ID-zo) – “to think, suppose”
  See G3543
• δοκέω (dokeō, dok-EH-oh) – “to think, seem”
  See G1380
• ὑπονοέω (hypanoeō, hoop-on-o-EH-oh) – “to suspect”
  See G5282

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑπολαμβάνω exhibits these features:

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

Word morphing in English:

• Present: supposes/considers
• Past: supposed/considered
• Perfect: has supposed/considered
• Future: will suppose/consider

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide comprehensive insight into ὑπολαμβάνω. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of mental reception and response. Thayer’s highlights its development from physical to mental taking up. LSJ traces its classical usage in dialogue and debate. Vine’s connects it to spiritual discernment. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature suggesting underlying consideration. Moulton and Milligan document its use in thoughtful responses in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 7:43: “Simon [ὑπολαμβάνω] answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.'”

Additional References:
Luke 10:30
Acts 1:9
Acts 2:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπολαμβάνω reveals the importance of thoughtful reception of spiritual truth. Simon’s response to Jesus’ parable demonstrates how understanding comes through careful consideration. The good news is that King Jesus invites us to take up and ponder divine truth, not merely accepting it superficially but engaging with it deeply for transformation.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in philosophical dialogue
• It appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts in Scripture
• Early Christian teachers used it for catechetical instruction

Strong’s G5274: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with lambanō (to take), meaning to take up in mind, suppose, or receive. In biblical usage, it describes the mental process of understanding or receiving truth, particularly in spiritual contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: understanding, consideration, reception, thinking, spiritual truth, discernment, response, parables, teaching, comprehension​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​