ὑπέχω (hupechō)
hupechō
to undergo
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupechō literally means to hold or place something underneath, but in Scripture it carries a metaphorical weight of enduring what is placed upon you. With only one occurrence in the New Testament, Jude uses it to describe believers who "endure rebuke" (Jude 1:7). Here, the sense is not passive resignation but the active bearing of criticism or correction.
Its roots combine a preposition meaning "under" with a verb for holding. This imagery suggests stability and strength; one does not collapse under the pressure but maintains their position. The word appears in the Septuagint with similar force, translating Hebrew terms for suffering or bearing burdens, linking the concept of endurance to faithful perseverance.
Translators often render this as "endure" or "undergo," highlighting a quiet resilience. Unlike words that imply fleeing from trouble, hupechō suggests standing firm while facing it. It captures the dignity of accepting correction without breaking, a rare and specific nuance in biblical Greek.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupechō carries the image of holding firm beneath a weight. It is not about collapsing under pressure but maintaining stability when correction or rebuke comes your way. This active endurance reflects a quiet strength, allowing you to stand firm without breaking when faced with criticism or difficult circumstances.
In Jude 1:7, this concept appears in the context of judgment, reminding us that some chose to ignore correction and fell into ruin. For believers, it offers a different path: to receive guidance with humility rather than resistance. This posture fosters resilience, helping you navigate life's challenges with grace.
When rebuke or hardship arrives, remember that standing firm does not mean ignoring the issue but bearing it with dignity. This strength allows growth and deeper faith, turning moments of pressure into opportunities for spiritual maturity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undergoing.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπέχουσαι.1×
Key Verses
-
Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are shown as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
This verse illustrates the consequence of rejecting correction, contrasting sharply with the endurance hupechō describes.