Unshakeable Reality: ὑπόστασις (Strong’s G5287: hypostasis) Reveals Eternal Substance

Strong’s G5287: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with histēmi (to stand), meaning fundamental reality or substantial nature. In biblical usage, it describes the essence of faith, confidence, and the underlying reality of divine truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπόστασις (hypostasis) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with ἵστημι (histēmi, “to stand”), creating a term that describes the foundational reality underlying appearances. In 2 Corinthians 9:4, it expresses confident assurance. The word gained profound theological significance in early church discussions about the nature of faith (Hebrews 11:1) and the person of Christ. Today, it continues to express both the substantive reality of faith and the underlying truth of God’s promises.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπόστασις, hypostasis, hoop-OS-ta-sis
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + os (as in “moss”) + ta (as in “tah”) + sis (as in “sis”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• ἵστημι (histēmi) – verb meaning “to stand”
• -σις (-sis) – abstract noun suffix
  Combined to mean “standing under” or “foundation”

D – Defining Meanings

• Foundation
• Substance
• Confident assurance
• Real nature

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates underlying position
• ἵστημι contributes stability aspect
• -σις makes it abstract concept

Translation Options:

• “Substance” – emphasizes reality
• “Assurance” – highlights confidence
• “Foundation” – maintains physical metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πεποίθησις (pepoithēsis, pep-OY-thay-sis) – “confidence”
  See G4006
• βεβαίωσις (bebaiōsis, beb-AH-yo-sis) – “confirmation”
  See G951
• πληροφορία (plērophoria, play-rof-or-EE-ah) – “full assurance”
  See G4136

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὑπόστασις exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, or Accusative
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: ὑπόστασις
• Genitive singular: ὑποστάσεως
• Dative singular: ὑποστάσει
• Accusative singular: ὑπόστασιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons emphasize ὑπόστασις’s rich meaning. BDAG highlights its range from concrete foundation to abstract assurance. Thayer’s traces its development from physical to metaphysical usage. LSJ documents its philosophical significance in Greek thought. Vine’s emphasizes its importance in expressing faith’s reality. Strong’s notes its compound nature suggesting fundamental support. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal documents for guaranteed ownership.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 9:4: “lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) would be ashamed of this [ὑπόστασις] confident boasting.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 3:14
Hebrews 11:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπόστασις powerfully expresses the substantial reality of faith and divine truth. In describing both Christ’s nature and faith’s essence, it reminds us that spiritual realities are more substantial than physical appearances. The good news is that our faith rests not on shifting shadows but on the unshakeable reality of King Jesus and His promises.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was crucial in early Christological debates
• It appears in ancient property deeds as guarantee of ownership
• Early church fathers used it to explain the Trinity

Strong’s G5287: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with histēmi (to stand), meaning fundamental reality or substantial nature. In biblical usage, it describes the essence of faith, confidence, and the underlying reality of divine truth.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: substance, reality, faith, confidence, assurance, foundation, Christology, truth, essence, nature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​