ὑπερῷον (huperōon)

huperōon

upper room

G5253 · Greek · New Testament · 4 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun huperōon refers to an upper room or chamber, typically situated on the second floor or atop the flat roof of a house. In the ancient Near East, this elevated space served as a private retreat for activities such as dining, prayer, and meditation, away from the bustle of the ground level. The term appears four times in the New Testament, primarily within the Acts of the Apostles.

Its usage highlights specific moments of community and transition. In Acts 1:13, it is the gathering place for the disciples after Jesus’ ascension, while Acts 9:37 and 9:39 describe it as the location where Tabitha lay in death and was later restored to life. Acts 20:8 records Paul speaking from this room during a long night of teaching.

Etymologically, the word derives from huper, meaning "above," pointing directly to its physical position within the home structure. This spatial distinction underscores its role as a designated area for focused spiritual or communal life, setting it apart from the main living quarters below.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word huperōon simply means an upper room, a quiet space often found on the second floor or rooftop of a home in the ancient world. These rooms were not just architectural details; they were places set apart for rest, prayer, and community away from the noise of the street below. When you read about this location in Acts, you are seeing ordinary people gathering in an ordinary house, yet experiencing something extraordinary.

In Acts 1:13, the disciples retreat to this upper room after Jesus’ ascension. It becomes a place of waiting and unity before the Holy Spirit comes. Later, in Acts 9, the same type of room witnesses both grief and hope as Tabitha is laid there and then restored to life. And in Acts 20:8, Paul teaches late into the night by candlelight in such a space.

For you today, this word reminds us that God meets us in our everyday settings. You do not need a grand stage to encounter Him. Your quiet corner, your study, or your living room can be just as sacred when you gather with others to seek His presence. It invites you to create space for stillness and connection with those who share your faith.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

upper room2×
upper room,1×
an upper room.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ὑπερῷον,1×
ὑπερῷον1×
ὑπερῴῳ.1×
ὑπερῴῳ1×

Key Verses

Acts 1:13
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

This verse shows the word marking the disciples' transition from physical presence with Jesus to spiritual waiting in community.
Acts 9:37
In those days, she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Here the upper room serves as a place of mourning and preparation, highlighting its role in handling life's final moments with dignity.
Acts 20:8
There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.

The mention of many lights in this room emphasizes the dedication of the early believers to gathering for teaching even late at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does huperōon mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek noun meaning an upper room or chamber, typically located on the second floor or atop a flat roof. In the New Testament, it appears four times in Acts to describe specific gathering places for early Christians.

Why is the upper room significant in Acts 1?

In Acts 1:13, the upper room is where the eleven apostles and other believers stayed together after Jesus’ ascension. It was their base for prayer and unity before Pentecost, marking a key moment of preparation for the church.

How does this word relate to Tabitha's story?

In Acts 9:37-39, Tabitha (also called Dorcas) is laid in an upper room after she dies. This location becomes the setting for Peter’s miracle of restoring her to life, showing how these rooms were used for both daily living and significant spiritual events.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Acts 4 verses

Acts 1:13

When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew,…

Acts 9:37

In those days, she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Acts 9:39

Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him…

Acts 20:8

There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.