ὑπό (hupo)

hupo

by/under: by

G5259 · Greek · New Testament · 206 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 206 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The preposition hupo primarily means "under," but in the New Testament it most frequently functions as a marker of agency, translating to "by." When paired with passive verbs and the genitive case, it identifies the person or thing responsible for an action. This usage appears commonly across the Gospels and Acts, such as when Matthew notes that Jesus was born "by" the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:22) or when Peter declares that the lame man stood up "by" faith in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:16).

Its meaning shifts depending on the grammatical case. With the genitive, it points to the efficient cause or agent behind an event. With the accusative, it retains its literal sense of physical position beneath something, or metaphorically indicates being subject to authority or power, as seen in Romans 8:20 where creation is described as being "subjected" to frustration. The word also appears in compounds like hypotassō (submit), preserving this core idea of being under control.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hupo often translates as "by," marking the invisible hand behind events in your life. When Scripture says Jesus was led by the Spirit or that faith heals, it points to a divine agency at work. This reminds us that we are not navigating our days alone; God is actively involved in guiding and sustaining us.

At other times, hupo describes physical placement, such as being under authority or beneath wings. These images offer comfort. Just as a child finds safety under a parent's care, believers find refuge in God's protection. It suggests that submission to divine order is not about restriction, but about finding a secure place where you are held.

Whether you feel led by the Spirit or sheltered by His care, this word invites trust. It encourages you to rest in the knowledge that your life is supported by powers greater than yourself, offering peace amidst uncertainty.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 206 verses where it appears, by frequency.

by164×
under52×
from7×
by [the]1×
at1×
[is] under1×
From1×

Forms in the text

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

ὑπὸ186×
ὑπ᾽27×
ὑφ᾽9×
ὑπό5×

Key Verses

Matthew 1:22
Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

This verse uses hupo to identify God as the ultimate agent fulfilling prophecy through the prophet, showing His sovereign control over history.
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Here hupo marks the Holy Spirit as the active force leading Jesus into the wilderness, highlighting divine direction in times of testing.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!

The phrase 'under her wings' uses the literal sense of physical covering to illustrate God's desire to protect Jerusalem with intimate care.
Matthew 8:9
For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

The centurion describes himself as being under authority, using hupo to explain how his position allows him to command others effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word hupo mean?

Hupo primarily means "under" but frequently functions as a marker of agency, translating to "by." When used with passive verbs in the genitive case, it identifies who or what is responsible for an action.

How is hupo different from dia?

While both can mean "by," dia often implies passing through or agency via a medium. Hupo emphasizes the source or agent directly causing an action, or physical position beneath something.

Where does hupo appear in the New Testament?

It appears 206 times across the Gospels and Acts. Notable examples include Jesus being led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1) and prophecies being spoken by God through prophets.

Every Occurrence (206 verses across 23 books)

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 1:22

Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

Matthew 2:15

and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,…

Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…

Matthew 3:6

They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

Matthew 3:14

But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”

Matthew 4:1

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…

Matthew 5:15

Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the…

Matthew 6:2

Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…

Matthew 8:9

For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell…

Matthew 8:24

Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.

Matthew 10:22

You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 11:7

As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…

Matthew 11:27

All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know…

Matthew 14:8

She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”

Matthew 14:24

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Matthew 17:12

but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…

Matthew 19:12

For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by…

Matthew 20:23

He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on…

Matthew 22:31

But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,

Matthew 23:7

the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men.

Matthew 23:37

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered…

Matthew 24:9

“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s…

Matthew 27:12

When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Matthew 27:35

When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,

Mark 12 verses

Luke 29 verses

John 3 verses

Acts 40 verses

Romans 11 verses

I Corinthians 16 verses

II Corinthians 11 verses

Galatians 14 verses

Ephesians 4 verses

Philippians 2 verses

Colossians 2 verses

I Thessalonians 3 verses

II Thessalonians 1 verse

I Timothy 1 verse

II Timothy 1 verse

Hebrews 9 verses

James 6 verses

I Peter 2 verses

II Peter 5 verses

III John 1 verse

Jude 3 verses

Revelation of John 3 verses