G5302
ὑστερέω
to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
Transliteration
hysteréōPronunciation
(hoos-ter-eh'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
ὑστερέω(hysteréō)
Strong’s Definition
to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
from G5306 (ὕστερος);
“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G5302: From husteros (latter, behind), hustereo means to come late, lack, or fall short. In NT usage, it describes both material and spiritual deficiency, highlighting human inadequacy while pointing to God's complete provision in Messiah.
U- Unveiling the Word
The verb ὑστερέω (hustereo) encompasses the concept of lacking, falling short, or coming too late. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from material poverty to spiritual deficiency. Its first appearance comes in the rich young ruler's question about what he still lacks for eternal life, setting up a profound theological theme about human inadequacy and divine sufficiency. The word plays a crucial role in Paul's teaching about universal sin (Romans 3:23) where all have "fallen short" of God's glory. Early church fathers used this word to emphasize humanity's need for divine grace. Today, it continues to highlight both our inherent insufficiency and God's complete provision in Messiah.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
From ὕστερος (husteros) meaning "latter, behind":
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Not a compound word; derived from ὕστερος with a verb-forming suffix.
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
See G3007
See G1642
See G639
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
For this verb:
Example forms:
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexical study reveals ὑστερέω's rich theological implications. BDAG emphasizes its use in both material and spiritual contexts. Thayer's notes its development from temporal lateness to qualitative deficiency. LSJ documents its classical usage for falling behind or being inferior. Vine's highlights its importance in describing universal human sinfulness. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in financial contexts. Strong's connects it to the concept of being "later" or "behind," while LEH notes its Septuagint usage for both material and spiritual poverty. This evidence shows a term that bridges physical and spiritual deficiency.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Matthew 19:20 "The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack [ὑστερέω] I yet?"
Additional References:
Mark 10:21, Luke 15:14, John 2:3, Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 11:9, Philippians 4:12
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
The word ὑστερέω powerfully illustrates humanity's universal condition of falling short while pointing to God's complete provision in Messiah. It appears in contexts ranging from material poverty to spiritual inadequacy, ultimately highlighting our need for divine grace. This word proclaims the good news by showing that while we all fall short of God's glory, His provision in Messiah fills every lack. It reminds us that our insufficiency is met by His all-sufficiency.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G5302: From husteros (latter, behind), hustereo means to come late, lack, or fall short. In NT usage, it describes both material and spiritual deficiency, highlighting human inadequacy while pointing to God's complete provision in Messiah.