True Excellence: ὑπεροχή (Strong’s G5247: hyperochē) Reveals Gospel’s Superior Power

Strong’s G5247: A feminine noun derived from ὑπερέχω (to hold above/excel), meaning “superiority, excellence, preeminence.” Used in the New Testament to contrast worldly excellence with the surpassing power of God’s wisdom and authority in the gospel.

U – Unveiling the Word

The noun ὑπεροχή represents the quality of superiority or excellence. Derived from ὑπερέχω (to hold above), it describes preeminence or surpassing status. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term both to reject human excellence in proclamation and to acknowledge legitimate authority, showing how true excellence comes from God rather than human wisdom. The early church understood this word as crucial in distinguishing between worldly and divine excellence. Today, this word continues to challenge us to recognize the surpassing worth of God’s wisdom over human excellence and to properly respect divinely ordained authority.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπεροχή, hyperochē, /hy.per.o.khē/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-o-khā’ (where ü as in German über, ā as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From verb ὑπερέχω (hyperechō)
• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “above”
• Root: ἔχω (echō) meaning “to hold”
• Suffix: -ή (-ē) forming feminine abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Excellence
• Superiority
• Preeminence
• Authority

For compound words: The components combine to express the concept of holding a position above others, with the nominal ending making it an abstract quality.

Translation Options:

• “surpassing excellence” – emphasizes superior quality
• “preeminence” – captures elevated position
• “superior authority” – highlights legitimate power

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπεροχός (hyperochos) /hy.per.o.khos/ – excellent, eminent – See G5245
• ἐξοχή (exochē) /ex.o.khē/ – prominence – See G1851
• ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē) /hy.per.bo.lē/ – excellence – See G5236

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this noun:

• Case: Nominative/Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The noun can appear as:

• ὑπεροχή (nominative)
• ὑπεροχῆς (genitive)
• ὑπεροχῇ (dative)
• ὑπεροχήν (accusative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπεροχή’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its use in both rejecting human excellence and acknowledging proper authority. Thayer’s notes its development from physical elevation to abstract superiority. LSJ traces its usage in classical contexts of excellence and authority. Vine’s highlights Paul’s contrasting uses of the term. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to being held above others. Moulton and Milligan document its common use in civic and administrative contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 2:1: “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority [ὑπεροχή] of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.”

Additional References:
1 Timothy 2:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπεροχή beautifully expresses the contrast between human and divine excellence. Paul uses it to reject human wisdom while affirming proper authority. This word proclaims the good news by showing that true excellence comes not through human wisdom but through the power of God’s Spirit. It reminds us that the gospel’s apparent foolishness surpasses the world’s greatest wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπεροχή appears twice in the New Testament
• It’s used both negatively and positively by Paul
• The word influenced early church views on authority

Strong’s G5247: A feminine noun derived from ὑπερέχω (to hold above/excel), meaning “superiority, excellence, preeminence.” Used in the New Testament to contrast worldly excellence with the surpassing power of God’s wisdom and authority in the gospel.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: excellence, superiority, authority, wisdom, divine power, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, human wisdom, gospel power, leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​