ὑπερεντυγχάνω (huperentugchanō)
huperentugchanō
to intercede
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb huperentugchanō means to intercede or make a formal petition on behalf of someone else. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Romans 8:26. In this context, it describes the Holy Spirit’s role in helping believers pray when they lack the words or clarity to express their needs.
Its meaning comes from combining huper ("for, on behalf of") and entugchanō ("to meet, approach, or plead before"). This structure emphasizes that the intercessor stands between the petitioner and God, advocating for them. The Spirit’s intercession is not merely silent but active, ensuring that human weakness does not hinder communication with God.
While most translations render this simply as "intercedes," the prefix huper adds a layer of substitutionary support. The Spirit does not just pray alongside us but takes up our cause before the Father. This highlights the depth of divine assistance available in times of uncertainty or distress.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you feel too tired or confused to pray, this word reminds you that you are never alone in your silence. The Holy Spirit steps in to carry your unspoken needs directly before God. This is not a failure on your part but an opportunity to rest in divine assistance.
The Spirit does not replace your voice but supports it, translating your deepest sighs into perfect petitions. You can trust that even when words fail, your prayers are heard and held by the One who knows your heart completely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- makes intercession1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπερεντυγχάνει1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered.
This verse uniquely shows the Spirit actively interceding with inexpressible groanings when human language falls short.