G5299
ὑπωπιάζω
to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions)
Transliteration
hypōpiázōPronunciation
(hoop-o-pee-ad'-zo)Everything you need to know.
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to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions)
ὑπωπιάζω(hypōpiázō)
Strong’s Definition
to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions)
from a compound of G5259 (ὑπό) and a derivative of G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι);
“Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G5299: From hupo (under) and ops (face), hupopiazo literally means to strike under the eye, causing a black eye. Figuratively used in NT for wearing down through persistence, especially in prayer contexts, and for disciplining the body in spiritual warfare.
U- Unveiling the Word
The verb ὑπωπιάζω (hupopiazo) carries vivid imagery from the boxing ring to illustrate spiritual truths. Originally meaning "to give a black eye" or "to strike under the eye," it developed metaphorical meanings of wearing someone down through persistence or bringing the body under strict control. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus uses this word in the parable of the persistent widow to describe how she continuously "wore down" the unjust judge. Paul employs it in 1 Corinthians to describe disciplining his body for spiritual effectiveness. Early church fathers saw in this word a powerful picture of both persistent prayer and spiritual discipline. Today, it continues to challenge believers regarding the intensity required in both prayer and personal spiritual discipline.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
The combination of ὑπό (under) with ὤψ (eye) and the verb suffix -άζω creates an image of repeatedly striking under the eye, metaphorically extending to wearing down or disciplining.
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
See G2852
See G1194
See G3811
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
For this verb:
Example forms:
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexical research reveals ὑπωπιάζω's dramatic evolution from literal to metaphorical usage. BDAG emphasizes its development from boxing terminology to spiritual application. Thayer's notes its use in both persistent prayer and spiritual discipline contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage in athletic contexts. Vine's connects it to both spiritual warfare and prayer persistence. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its metaphorical use for wearing down opponents. Strong's emphasizes its vivid imagery from boxing, while LEH notes similar metaphorical usage in Hellenistic literature. This evidence shows a term that powerfully bridges physical and spiritual combat.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Luke 18:5 "Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary [ὑπωπιάζω] me."
Additional References:
1 Corinthians 9:27
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
The word ὑπωπιάζω powerfully illustrates spiritual warfare on both prayer and personal discipline fronts. Its boxing imagery reminds us that spiritual battles require intensity and persistence. This word proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing that persistent prayer moves heaven and disciplined living prepares us for His service. It encourages believers to approach both prayer and spiritual discipline with the focused determination of an athlete in training.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5299: From hupo (under) and ops (face), hupopiazo literally means to strike under the eye, causing a black eye. Figuratively used in NT for wearing down through persistence, especially in prayer contexts, and for disciplining the body in spiritual warfare.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: persistence, discipline, prayer, spiritual-warfare, self-control, perseverance, boxing-metaphor, athletic-imagery, spiritual-discipline, determination, persistence-in-prayer, spiritual-training