G5256
ὑπηρετέω
to be a subordinate, i.e. (by implication) subserve
Transliteration
hypēretéōPronunciation
(hoop-ay-ret-eh'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to be a subordinate, i.e. (by implication) subserve
ὑπηρετέω(hypēretéō)
Strong’s Definition
to be a subordinate, i.e. (by implication) subserve
from G5257 (ὑπηρέτης);
“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G5256: A verb derived from hypēretēs (under-rower), meaning to serve or minister. Originally referring to galley slaves rowing under command, it evolved to describe voluntary service. In biblical usage, it emphasizes devoted service to God's purposes.
U- Unveiling the Word
ὑπηρετέω (hypēreteō) originated from maritime terminology, describing the coordinated effort of rowers working together under the command of a supervisor. This vivid metaphor transformed into a broader concept of dedicated service in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 13:36 where it describes David's faithful service to God's purpose. The early church adopted this term to emphasize the coordinated, purposeful nature of Christian ministry. Today, it reminds believers that effective service requires both submission to divine authority and cooperation with fellow servants in advancing God's kingdom.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
Combined to mean "to serve under direction"
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
See G1247
See G3008
See G1398
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As a verb, ὑπηρετέω exhibits these features:
The word would morph in English as:
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
The lexicons reveal rich insights about ὑπηρετέω. BDAG emphasizes its development from maritime terminology to general service. Thayer's highlights its implication of working under authority toward a specific purpose. LSJ traces its nautical origins and evolution in classical Greek. Vine's connects it to purposeful Christian ministry. Strong's emphasizes its compound nature and original meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in papyri for official service. The lexicons collectively emphasize the word's connotation of coordinated, purposeful service under authority.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Acts 13:36: "For David, after he had [ὑπηρετέω] served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption."
Additional References:
Acts 20:34
Acts 24:23
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
ὑπηρετέω beautifully captures the essence of Christian service—coordinated effort under divine direction. Like ancient rowers working in unison, believers are called to serve God's purposes in harmony with one another. The good news is that King Jesus provides both the perfect example of service and the power to serve effectively. Through His Spirit, we can participate in advancing His kingdom through purposeful, coordinated ministry.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5256: A verb derived from hypēretēs (under-rower), meaning to serve or minister. Originally referring to galley slaves rowing under command, it evolved to describe voluntary service. In biblical usage, it emphasizes devoted service to God's purposes.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: service, ministry, purpose, coordination, divine will, teamwork, church life, leadership, submission, Christian service, dedication