ὑπερείδω (hupereidō)
hupereidō
to overlook
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupereidō means to overlook or take no notice of something deliberately. It combines a prefix meaning "over" with a root for seeing, suggesting a conscious choice to ignore what is right in front of one’s eyes rather than a simple failure to perceive it.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 17:30. There, Paul describes how God previously overlooked times of ignorance. The usage highlights divine patience; God did not immediately punish human error but chose to wait for a time of repentance. This specific instance shows the word carrying a weight of forbearance rather than mere negligence.
Translators typically render it as "overlooked" or "ignored." The distinction lies in the intent: the subject sees the fault but decides not to act on it immediately. In this single biblical occurrence, it underscores a period where judgment was held back, allowing space for change before the final call to repentance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Acts 17:30 tells us that God previously overlooked the times of ignorance. This does not mean He was unaware or careless. Instead, it reveals a deliberate choice to withhold judgment, offering space for people to turn back to Him. His patience is an invitation, not a sign of indifference.
When we face our own mistakes or the shortcomings of others, this word reminds us that grace often precedes correction. God’s forbearance gives us time to repent and grow. We can trust that His delays are rooted in love, providing opportunities for healing and change rather than immediate condemnation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having overlooked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπεριδὼν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:30
The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
This verse uniquely applies the word to God's historical patience toward human ignorance before the clear call to repentance.