Supernatural Authority: ὑπακούω (Strong’s G5219: hypakouō) Commands Creation’s Obedience

Strong’s G5219: A compound verb combining ὑπό (under) and ἀκούω (to hear), meaning “to listen and obey.” Used to describe active submission to authority, whether divine or human. Notable in contexts of both miraculous demonstrations of Jesus’ authority and believers’ response to God.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπακούω represents a profound concept of obedience that begins with attentive listening and culminates in active response. As a compound word, it combines the ideas of being “under” (ὑπό) and “hearing” (ἀκούω), suggesting submission that flows from genuine hearing and understanding. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts ranging from nature’s obedience to the Messiah’s commands to believers’ submission to divine authority. The early church viewed ὑπακούω as more than mere compliance; it represented a transformative response to hearing God’s voice. This understanding remains crucial today, reminding believers that true obedience flows from a heart that listens attentively to God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπακούω, hypakouō, /hy.pa.kou.ˈō/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-pä-koo’-ō (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπό (hypo) meaning “under”
• Root: ἀκούω (akouō) meaning “to hear”
• Combination creates the meaning “to hear under authority”

D – Defining Meanings

• To hearken to a command
• To listen submissively
• To obey based on hearing
• To answer actively to what is heard

For compound words: The prefix ὑπό denotes position under authority, while ἀκούω contributes the active sense of hearing. Together they create the concept of hearing with submission and responding appropriately.

Translation Options:

• “to obey” – emphasizes the action resulting from hearing
• “to hearken” – captures both hearing and responding aspects
• “to listen submissively” – highlights the attitude behind the obedience

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō) /pei.thar.khe.ō/ – to obey those in authority – See G3980
• εἰσακούω (eisakouō) /ei.sa.kou.ō/ – to listen and respond – See G1522
• ἀκούω (akouō) /a.kou.ō/ – to hear (without necessarily obeying) – See G191

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this verb:

• Tense: Present (base form)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

Common forms include:

• ὑπακούω – I obey (present)
• ὑπήκουσα – I obeyed (aorist)
• ὑπάκουσον – Obey! (imperative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich insight into ὑπακούω’s usage and significance. BDAG emphasizes its frequent appearance in contexts of divine-human relationships. Thayer’s highlights how it differs from simple hearing by including the element of submission. LSJ traces its development from classical Greek, showing its consistent connection to authority and submission. Vine’s notes its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in spiritual obedience. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word, showing how it combines hearing with submission. Moulton and Milligan document its use in everyday contexts, demonstrating how it conveyed respectful compliance in various relationships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 8:27: “The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey [ὑπακούω] Him?'”

Additional References:
Mark 1:27, Luke 8:25, Romans 6:12, Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The verb ὑπακούω beautifully captures the essence of biblical obedience as a response to hearing God’s voice. It appears most dramatically in the gospels when creation itself obeys the Messiah’s commands, demonstrating His divine authority. This word reveals that true obedience isn’t blind submission but a response to recognizing and hearing the voice of our King. The good news of Jesus includes His authority over all creation and His invitation to us to listen and follow Him with the same immediate response that the wind and waves demonstrated.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπακούω appears in all three synoptic gospels’ accounts of Jesus calming the storm
• The word is used more frequently in Paul’s letters than in any other New Testament author
• It’s the verbal form of the noun ὑπακοή, showing obedience in action

Strong’s G5219: A compound verb combining ὑπό (under) and ἀκούω (to hear), meaning “to listen and obey.” Used to describe active submission to authority, whether divine or human. Notable in contexts of both miraculous demonstrations of Jesus’ authority and believers’ response to God.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: obedience, submission, hearing, authority, divine power, miracles, discipleship, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, spiritual response​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​